David Thomas Keefe

David Thomas Keefe, lovingly known as “Duke”, “Son,”, “Brother”, “Friend”, “Papa,”, “Husband” and most notably ”Dad”, passed away at the youthful age of 67 on August 22, 2025, in Burns, Wyoming.

David was born on September 20, 1957, to Robert and Dorothy Keefe. He was blessed to grow up in the small town of Hobart, Indiana, surrounded by the warmth of a large and devoted family. From an early age, his Mom and Dad taught him the true meaning of love and how to give it freely and unconditionally. Watching his six older siblings, he learned courage, strength, and faith, and eventually from his five younger siblings he discovered that guiding others with care and patience is the truest form of leadership.

David met a girl in grade school. He carried her books home for her one day, unaware that this simple act would be the beginning of their own lifelong love story. In their early twenties, that childhood connection rekindled, and he married that little girl turned young woman, Barbara, and was so excited to start a family of his own. When the day came, Barbara called to say her water broke and David, full of excitement, left work and famously beat her to the hospital. A daughter was born so that he could learn how to be a protector. With Stephanie, he embraced this new role as Dad whole heartedly, cherishing every moment with his two favorite girls. A few years after welcoming their beautiful daughter, David and Barbara were blessed with a baby boy. Naming him David was not just a way to continue his own legacy; it was a way to show his son that he had given the boy a piece of himself. Through his son, he learned how to be a best friend and mentor, a coach, and a role model.

David often reflected on how his father, Robert, would talk about his hands as they aged with every milestone. Following David's graduation from Hobart High School in 1976, he learned to use his hands to build a career of his own. Building bridges became a passion that brought him and his family across the country. From Florida, to Louisiana, to Texas, to Colorado and even as far west as Washington. David was not only known as an astounding bridge builder in his profession, but, more importantly, to those closest to him, he built bridges in their lives as well. Linking generations with stories, joining friends with laughter, and strengthening family with his unwavering love. His milestones etched on his own hands.

He had a contagious laugh, a kind and generous spirit, and a tender heart that showed even in the smallest ways, like tearing up at every birthday card he opened. He found joy in camping, fishing, woodworking, cheering on his favorite football teams, and, most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. Of all the titles David held in his life, the one he may of cherished the most was “Papa,” a name lovingly given to him by his grandchildren. From sharing neck tickles with his grandson Dylan, to gazing up at the stars with Jaedyn, to sneaking the cherries from the Shirley Temple his first granddaughter Taytym would order, and evening walks with little Blayklee as she would say, “Come on, Papa. Pick it up. Put it down.” He learned through these memories that some of life’s greatest joys are often found in life’s simplest moments.

We will miss his famed gumbo after Thanksgiving, how his garage was always open to anyone who needed someone to talk to, traveling together to some of his favorite places like Estes Park, Ontario, Canada and Cabo San Lucas, and sitting around a campfire sharing stories and memories. But most of all, we’ll miss his presence, because little did he realize that while he was learning and living, he had quietly become our teacher. Leaving a legacy of love, laughter and wisdom that will stay with us forever.

David is survived by his wife, Barbara Keefe; his daughter Stephanie Shahan and son-in-law Issac Shahan, his son David Keefe and daughter-in-law Danielle Keefe, his grandchildren Dylan, Jaedyn, Taytym and Blayklee; and his siblings Margaret “Peggy” Berg, James “Mike” Keefe, John “Bobo” Keefe, Carl Keefe, Lydia Crew, Judith Astin, Joyce Camp, and Joan Brooks. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Keefe; and his siblings Arthur Keefe, Patricia “Patty” Besse, and Roberta “Robin” Mosley.

A celebration of life is planned for October 11th from 5pm to 9pm at Pegasus Restaurant in Castle Rock, CO. A town he called home for many years. If you wish to attend, kindly reach out to his son David. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor David by hugging your loved ones a little tighter, book the vacation you've always dreamed of while not forgetting to pause and treasure life's simplest blessings, and never miss the chance to say I love you to those dearest to your heart.