Lester Carl Keup

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.

Lester Carl Keup

June 21, 1932 - October 14, 2015