Lester Carl Keup - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Lester Carl Keup

June 21, 1932 - October 14, 2015

Lester Carl Keup (Doc), age 83, formerly of Ocean View, DE, died peacefully at his home at Gardens of White Chapel, Newark, on October 14, 2015.

Lester was born in Kewaunee, WI and worked with his parents on their Dairy Farm until High School graduation, when he enlisted in the Navy, where he served as a Dentalman on the USS Vulcan. During his service, he met Elizabeth Claire Kirkley at a USO dance in Wilmington. While still in the Navy, they married in Wilmington, Delaware. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Lester worked for DuPont and later the refinery in Delaware City, then known as Tidewater Oil Company. Lester stayed with the refinery through many evolutions until his retirement from Texaco in 1994. Shortly after retirement, Lester and Claire moved to Ocean View, DE. He was a member of the Mason Dixon VFW Post 7234 in Ocean View, American Legion Post 28 in Millsboro and Moose Lodge 2542 in Frankfort. He enjoyed many outdoor activities such as golf, gardening, fishing and crabbing.

Lester was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Claire Keup in 2004; his parents, Lester C. and Hazel S. Keup of Two Rivers, WI; brothers, Robert Keup of Manitowoc, WI and Glenn Keup of Kingsport, TN. Lester is survived by his son and wife, Kenneth and Deborah Keup of Newark; daughter and husband, John and Kathy Hundley of Newark; grandchildren, Philip and Adam Keup, Paige and Gavin Hundley, step-grandchildren, Nadine Mitchell and Curtis Hundley; sister, Patricia Gagnon and husband Joseph of Horicon, WI; sisters-in-law, Pamela Keup of Kingsport, TN, Eileen Keup of Manitowoc, WI, Colleen Brown of Valrico, FL and Barbara Melancon of Bear, DE, as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Interment will be private. The family wishes to thank the staff at Gardens of White Chapel and Compassionate Care Hospice for their kindness and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Lester’s memory be made to the Mason Dixon VFW Post 7234, 29265 Marshy Hope Way, Ocean View, DE 19970, (302) 539-9981, or Compassionate Care Hospice, 405 East Marsh Lane, Suite 4, Newport, DE 19804, 302-993-9090.

Condolences

Leave your condolences

Condolences will be posted within 24 hours pending approval.

6 Condolences for Lester Carl Keup

  • Kenny & Kathy: I hope you will recall me for I was a good friend of your mom and dad’s in the 60’s and 70’s and I remember you kids from visits I made to your home. I worked with Les at the refinery for ten years before leaving in 1974 to open my kitchen/bah business.
    I sold Les my 1965 Fodr Fairlane 500 Sport Coup in 1970 and bought a Dauschund puppy from him, you may recall. I last saw Les down at Bethany Beach area a number of years ago. I always enjoyed Les and I know how proud he was of you both. We live on with our memories of those with whom we shared life events. My memories of your mom and dad were really special. May God richly bless you and your families always.
    Ron Walker
    45 Kells Ave
    Newark, DE 19711

  • Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Keup Family. Lots of great memories growing up in Birchwood Park!

  • Kenny and Kathy
    I was sorry to hear about your dads passing. He was a great guy. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
    Marty

  • Thanks Ron, Of course I remember you. I drove that Fairlane for years. Thanks for thinking of us!

    Ken

  • Thank you all! We at your house as much as our own. It was a great time.

    Ken

  • Marty,

    Thanks so much! You and I spent a lot of time together. I always remember the Friday night football games with our Dad’s in the stands rooting us on.

    Ken