John R. Kieffer

John R. Kieffer, 86, of Versailles passed away at 12:45 am Saturday, September 5, 2015 at home. He was born in Cincinnati on August 28, 1929 the son of John and Leona Roder Kieffer. He was married to Mary Block on September 8, 1951 and his wife of 64 years survives. Other survivors include three sons Robert (Frances) Kieffer of North Vernon, Jerry (Krista) Kieffer of Cape Coral, Florida, and Marc (Samantha) Kieffer of Lawrenceburg; one daughter Yvonna (Peter) Dotson of Cleveland, Tennessee; 12 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Kieffer was a former resident of Rushville and Lawrenceburg where he worked as a mechanic for various car dealers in both towns as well as Meyer's Garage and also Schenleys, both in Lawrenceburg. He also worked independently as an over the road trucker hauling steel, retiring to Versailles in 1979. John served with the US Army during the Korean War as a paratrooper with the 101 Airborne. He also served with Company D of the 2 Medic Battalion at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. Some of John's hobbies included being a midget race car driver while living in Rushville as well as trap shooting at the Brush Creek Conservation Club at Butlerville. John was a member of the Benham United Methodist Church, Teamsters Union, and was a 62 year member of the Versailles American Legion. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 9 at 10:30 am at the Benham United Methodist Church with Bro. Jerry Brooks officiating. Burial will be in the Akers Cemetery at Friendship with military honors by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9:30 am until time of services Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Hospice of Jennings County or the Benham United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.