David Gerard OKeefe

David Gerard OKeefe, 58, peacefully passed away after a long illness on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at his home in Toledo Bend. 

While David’s struggles in life were many. His learning disability made for a constant uphill battle that he battled through with the best way he knew how. He became self- sufficient by becoming a licensed A/C technician, and a certified small engine mechanic. 

Although his mental and physical disabilities that limited his employment opportunities, David developed a level of peace, and serenity with the help and understanding of his good friends, especially his friend and mentor Dr. Howard Stroud. David was taught a new way to live and realized there were people that had similar lives as his and that he didn’t have to hide or battle his struggles alone. For these folks, we know David will be eternally grateful.

David was employed at several jobs in his fields of expertise. He was considered a Jack-of-all-trades. He self-taught himself to repair all manners of machinery including appliances, lawn equipment, hydraulics, and boats. There was not an engine that David could not repair, replace, or improve on. David was proud to be the go-to man for his friends and neighbors at the lake. David enjoyed Bar-B-Qing, entertaining friends and family at his lakefront home at Toledo. David raised a garden every year, and of course was happy to share his bounty with anyone, including the chow-chow he liked to make.

 David had several passions in life including his pets, fishing, and mostly tinkering with machinery that most had resolved as junk. It wasn’t surprising that he’d have practically anything running within an hour. He supplemented his income from the sale of these items and lived a comfortable life as he saw it through his eyes. He accepted his position in life as he found his higher power and felt blessed every day. 

David was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Dolores OKeefe, sister Ann, grandparents Nicholas and Carrie Morasco, Edward and Marie OKeefe, by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

David is survived by his brothers Dennis and wife Brenda (Gainsville, GA), his brother Jeffery and husband Eddie Jacobson, and brother Steven (Lake Charles), and by his loving, faithful, and constant companion, his Jack Russell Terrier Bella. 

May he now rest in peace. 

A memorial service and visitation will be held at Simple Traditions, 3448 5th Ave, in Lake Charles, Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 1:30 – 3:30.