Charles Edward ‘Ed’ O’Keefe

Published 11:20 am Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Charles Edward “Ed” O’Keefe, 73, of Bowling Green, passed away March 30, 2014. 

The St. Louis native was the son of the late Charles Francis and Ellen O’Keefe. Ed retired from General Motors after 38 years of service as a product improvement engineer. He was an avid automobile enthusiast who helped found the National Corvette Museum, worked with Corvette racing teams, restored classic cars and worked internationally with top automobile manufacturers. 

He played football and was a Golden Gloves boxer. He was a Mason, Shriner, Kiwanian, Lion, D.A.R.E officer, Methodist lay speaker, Kentucky Colonel and also was very active in Christ United Methodist Church and the Emmaus community.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Phyllis Keay O’Keefe of Bowling Green; their four children, Mike, Shari, Charlie and Shawn; their spouses and children; as well as Ed’s sister, Shirley. 

Ed was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Meaghan, and sisters Betty and Frances. 

Visitation is from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Christ United Methodist Church on Cave Mill Road and from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, with the funeral to follow at 5 p.m. at the church. 

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Bowling Green Emmaus/Chrysalis Community, P.O. Box 50699, Bowling Green, KY 42102. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to J.C. Kirby & Son, Lovers Lane chapel.