Obituary: Roy A. Keefer

Roy A. Keefer, 72, New Oxford, PA, formerly of Gettysburg, PA, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Hanover Hospital.

He was born December 19, 1953, in Cleveland, OH, the son of the late John P. and Bernice (Bicker) Keefer.

Roy graduated from high school in Pequannock, NJ, in 1971. He attended Valparaiso University in Indiana, where he studied social work and political science, and met the love of his life, Jan. After graduation in 1975, he got married and attended Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, PA. He began his law career as a public defender in Dauphin County before becoming the first full-time assistant district attorney of Adams County in 1981. He was then elected and served 8 years as the Adams County District Attorney, practiced as a private attorney with McQuaide Law Offices, and returned to the Adams County Courthouse as an Assistant District Attorney until retiring from practicing law in 2021. He then served in his ideal retirement job as the chief tip staff at the Adams County Courthouse until his death.

When Roy was in high school, he was a basketball and track athlete. He may not have been a star, but this laid the foundation for a love of sports that carried through his entire life. He was an avid sports fan, especially his beloved North Carolina Tar Heels. He enjoyed attending many UNC games with his parents, children, and grandchildren over the years. He spent time broadcasting live games on ACTV with Jeff Cook and hosting a weekly “Roy on Roundball” TV segment. He was a fixture on the sidelines of his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events. He coached many youth basketball, baseball, and soccer teams, as well as volunteering with the Gettysburg High School basketball team. While he spent many years coaching his kids’ teams, he continued “coaching” and cheering for his grandkids from the stands at every event he could attend. His pride and joy was watching his grandchildren excel at their sports. Roy was an avid reader, often going through 2-3 books in a single week. He was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg for over 45 years, where he cherished his longtime Sunday School family.

Roy is survived by his wife Jan (Gehrke) Keefer, three children; Brian Keefer and his wife Kim of Fairplay, MD, Erin Townsend of Dillsburg, PA, Adam Keefer and his wife Kim of Tega Cay, SC, eight grandchildren; Bryson Townsend, Kadence Townsend, Seneca Townsend, Caroline Keefer, Taelyn Townsend, Noah Keefer, Trey Keefer, and Landon Keefer. He was predeceased by a brother, Kenneth Keefer.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. James Lutheran Church, Gettysburg, PA, at 11:00 AM with Rev. Andrew Geib officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. James Lutheran Church, 109 York Street, Gettysburg, PA. Online obituary and condolences available at monahanfuneralhome.com.