Hunter Keefer

Hunter Robert Keefer, 17, was taken from us Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020.

He was born June 2, 2003, and was the cherished son of Lacy Deevers-McLendon and Patrick (Heather) Keefer.

He was the loving brother of Jaidyn Sky Young and stepbrother to Lennon and Eliza Bollwerk and Cole and Sarah Blanton. He was also the adored grandson of Mary Jane and Gary Palermo, Dan Keefer and Linda Smitten and the late Robert Deevers. He was especially close to his cousin, Bella LeGrand; his friends for life since birth, Tori Dibert, Elliot Bierschwal and Halle Andrews; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He loved any outdoor adventure, playing and listening to good music of all genres, video games, his family, his cat Lumen and especially being surrounded by his many friends. We wish we could list each one by name. He loved so many and was loved by so many.

He was a senior at Cape Girardeau Central High School and would have graduated in December. While attending high school, he played cello in the orchestra and was a pole vaulter in track and a diver on the Cape Central Swim Team for three years. They won the state championship his freshman and sophomore years and came in second place his junior year.

He left with no pain, but he also left us all, and we will never be the same and we will continue to hurt.

At this time, we must come together and remember him with laughter, love, peace and laid-backness.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert; aunt, Jean; stepfather, Andy; great-grandmother, Geraldine; and a special place in his heart for his great GG Leah.

A private service for the family will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home.

Plans for a celebration of his life are not yet complete and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are encourage to be made to Ford and Sons Funeral Home, 1001 N. Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.