Gary Dean Keaffaber

Gary Dean Keaffaber, 82, of Elkhart, died Sunday, October 16, 2022, at Elkhart Hospital.

He was born at home in Liberty Mills on September 11, 1940, to Glen and Willadean (Kamp) Keaffaber.

In 1962 he married Dianna McCullough and on November 14, 1975, he married Judith (Rock) Kilmer.

Gary is survived by his wife and six children, Jeffrey Keaffaber of Orlando, Florida, J. Thomas Keaffaber of Sedona, Arizona, Drew (April) Keaffaber of Bennington, Vermont, Matt (Tina) Kilmer of Goshen, Chad (Brenda) Kilmer of Granger and Kallie (Jeff) Bontrager of LaPorte; seven grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; a brother, Bill (Jane) Keaffaber of Kokomo and a sister, Nancy (Bob) Burton of North Manchester.

A resident of Elkhart County since 1971, Gary was a golf professional.  He worked at Cedar Creek Golf Course, Leo in 1966, Sycamore Golf Course, North Manchester from 1967-1970, Maplecrest Country Club from 1971-1985.  In 1985 he designed and built Bent Oak Golf Course, Elkhart and managed it until his retirement in 2000.

Gary holds the course record of 62 at Maplecrest County Club and 64 at Bent Oak Golf Course.

He was very active in both campuses of River Oaks Community Church, serving as a greeter and involved in small groups.  He volunteered at Faith Mission serving meals.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 20, 2022, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at River Oaks Community Church, Goshen Campus, 58020 CR 115, Goshen.  The funeral service will be 11 a.m., Friday, October 21, at the River Oaks Community Church, Goshen Campus.  Pastor Scott Matthews will officiate.

A private family graveside service will be in Violett Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to River Oaks Community Church, Elkhart Campus.