C. L. Keefer

C. L., 81, and Aretha, 78, Keefer of Woodbury died Friday, January 9, 2009. C. L. was born on July 2, 1927 the son of Joseph E. and Mary Eliza Laxson Keefer. He was born in Arlington, but lived in Justin for a large part of his life. Aretha was born on October 31, 1930 the daughter of Charlie and Mary Etta Stevens Finley. She was born near Paradise in Wise County and was raised in Wise County. On May 28, 1949, the couple was married near Decatur. They were at each other's side for the remainder of their lives. C. L., a Baptist minister, pastored Central Baptist Church in Midlothian for nearly 20 years. He also served as a missionary on the Texas/Mexico border for a few years. Aretha assisted and supported him in his ministry. The couple also owned and operated an appliance repair business in both Midlothian and Cleburne. They were members of the Bible Baptist Church in Waxahachie. They moved to Woodbury in 2001. C. L. served his country in the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by two brothers - Melvin Robert Keefer of Saginaw and David Paul Keefer of Krum. Aretha was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Charles Finley. She is survived by three brothers - Frankie Bob Finley of Kansas, Ben Finley of Sanger, and David Finley of Yoder, CO; and five sisters - Litha Moss of Decatur, Earlyn Hood of Talco, Mary Barbara Thedford of Lolita, Peggy Meadows of Rhome, and Lottie Sue Coen of Fort Worth. The couple is survived by their four children - Myra May Baker and husband, Dale Wayne, of Fort Worth, Alvin Ray Keefer and wife, Letcia, of Rhome, Joyce Reid and husband, Norvell, of Woodbury, and Larry Dale Keefer of Irving; fifteen grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.