Bob Keefauver

Robert William “Bob” Keefauver died Jan. 1, 2023. He was born Aug. 31, 1930, in Longmont. He was one of seven siblings. His family lived next to a golf course in Colorado. He told many stories of living near the course and the harsh winters of Colorado. A story he told often was when he and his brothers slept in a screened-in porch during the winter. He remembered waking up to discover a skiff of snow and ice on the blankets.
As a Keefauver, he was a self-taught musician. He enjoyed playing the piano and the banjo. Often, he and Gwen would enjoy playing music together. Consequently, he livened up many family and friend gatherings with music and song.
When Bob was a young boy, his family moved to California for a time and settled in North Hollywood, California. He graduated from North Hollywood High School in California. After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force. He was deployed to Korea and became a flight mechanic. He proudly worked on the F-80 Shooting Star. It was one of the first American jet fighters to see combat in the Korean War.
Bob eventually returned to Colorado. During his time in the Air Force, he married his first wife. They had one child named Sheri. She is Doug’s older sister and has become a close friend to Doug and his wife Cindie. Bob’s first marriage did not last. He met and married Gwendolyn Fisbeck on April 5, 1958, in Holyoke. Together they had one son, Douglas Alan Keefauver.
In 1963, Bob and Gwen moved to California. In California, Bob opened and ran a successful termite control business. Several years later, he bought and managed a bar in Panorama City, California. He eventually sold this business. Without a college education, he became a safety inspector overseeing construction projects for the Los Angeles County Flood Control District.
He retired early and spent his golden years playing golf, going on fishing trips, and visiting friends and family with Gwen.
Bob leaves behind his daughter Sheri, son Doug, and grandchildren Kyle and Kellie.
The graveside service will be held Monday, March 27, at 11:30 a.m. at Holyoke Cemetery, with Pastor Gary Rahe officiating the service.
Baucke Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.