Thomas Clark Keefer

After 59 years of joy filled, purposeful, and God-honoring life, Thomas Clark Keefer, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away February 21st at Geisinger St. Luke’s in Orwigsburg. He was surrounded by family and friends throughout his final moments, when he was welcomed home into the loving and everlasting arms of Jesus Christ.
Born in Pottsville on June 8, 1965, Tom was the son of late Clark Eugene & Frances Adel (Tobias) Keefer; two loving parents who believed in the innate value of their son.
Despite being born with Down Syndrome, they refused to cave to the pressure to institutionalize their precious boy. The Keefers dedicated their lives to raising Tommy as they did their previous three children; with love, dignity, and respect. Over the years, this precedent became a legacy of devotion carried out by the entire family.
Tommy was a 1986 graduate of the Schuylkill IU 29, Mar Lin. From there, he went through the United Cerebral Palsy Vocational Rehabilitation Program. He often recounted his time spent there, and specifically, his days working alongside many a friend in the greenhouse. This program was a stepping stone for his 29-year career at the Schuylkill Haven Borough, where he worked as a custodian. For decades, many people got to know Tom while he was strolling around town with his cleaning cart. He always wore a friendly smile and was eager to catch up with those he considered a friend, which were many. Tommy was a cheerful and dedicated employee and took great pride in his work. He was responsible for cleaning the town’s parks, playgrounds, and streets, as well as the bathrooms at Bubeck park, where there is a park bench in his honor. Up until he passed, he would fondly recount his time working for the Borough alongside his many friends, and proudly point out the locations around town he used to care for. Tommy was a faithful member of the Schuylkill Haven Church of the Nazarene, where he attended since birth. His heart beat for Jesus Christ and his church family. In 2022, he was honored by the Director of the Nazarene Missions International with the Distinguished Service Award for “Faithful service to God and Schuylkill Haven Church of the Nazarene”. As long as his health allowed, if the church doors were open, he was there.
Tom loved his community. He was a dedicated member of Schuylkill Hose No. 2 of Schuylkill Haven for about 25 years. He enjoyed spending time there hanging out with “the guys” and loved recalling the times he tested the town’s fire alarm. He was thrilled to be included in many town parades, and enjoyed riding along in one of the Schuylkill Hose fire engines. On one special occasion, Tommy got to cruise around town in a convertible as Grand Marshall of the 2016 Halloween parade.
Tom spent his free time writing sermons, calling loved ones (from speed dial), and relaxing in his favorite chair with the family dogs Daisy and Mimi. He loved playing his favorite games, Uno and Zingo with family and friends. Every evening he could be found enjoying a bowl of ice cream while watching a rotation of his favorite classic television shows. Before bed, he would diligently study his Bible, whose well-worn pages were evidence of his devotion to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.
Tom was lovingly considered “the crown jewel” of his family. He is survived by two sisters: Christine, wife of John Morrison, of Schuylkill Haven, PA; & Eloise, wife of Dr. Stanley Wood, of Mt. Vernon, OH; nieces & nephews: Leah Adams (Troy), Peter Wood (Rebecca), Rebekah Tolar (Jonathan), Kirsten Carter (Mark), Johanna Morrison (Jeffrey Hughes), Lauren Beecroft & Katybeth Sickinger (Daniel), and great-nieces & great-nephews: Madalynne Schaeffer, TJ Adams, Ethan & Katelynne Tolar, Avrie Brode, Brady Beecroft, Catherine & Esme Wood, Grace, Reuben, Jedediah, Jude, Isaiah, Hope, & Faith Carter, Carter & Kennedy Morrison-Hughes, Payton Miller, and Oliver Sickinger. Tom took great joy in his family, and especially in being an Uncle.
In addition to his parents, Tommy is also preceded in death by his sister and friend, Kay Keefer, whom he loved very much.
Words could never sum up the magnitude of Tom’s life, the love of his family, or the gratitude they feel for the gift he was. Anchored in hope, his family clings to the promise of Hebrews 12:28, firmly believing Tommy has at last inherited “a kingdom that cannot be shaken”. A kingdom, as described by C. S. Lewis as “chapter one of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” If ever there was a man who had a “Great Story”, it is without a doubt Thomas Clark Keefer.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Nazarene, Schuylkill Haven on Saturday March 1st with Pastor Robert Berry officiating.
A Viewing will be held at the church from 9 AM until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
At the family's request, donations in Tommy’s memory may be forwarded to Church of the Nazarene 220 West Main Street Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.