David R. Keifer, 71

DOVER - David R. Keifer, of Dover, died Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 71. Mr. Keifer was born May 12, 1937, in Reading, Pa., to the late Eugene and Dorothy Keifer. He was an economist and planner and served as city planner for Harrisburg and then Reading. After moving to Delaware he worked for the State Planning Office ultimately serving as its Director until the mid 1970s. He retired as Director of the Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council. After retirement Mr. Keifer continued serving his community. He was an ardent conservationist serving on the executive committee of Sierra Club-DE and a number of national Sierra Club committees. Mr. Keifer was also politically active especially with the Markell campaign and transition team. Mr. Keifer enjoyed building his H.O. scale model railroad; continually modifying it to reflect elements of places he'd lived. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Keifer. Mr. Keifer is survived by his sons, Peter David Miller of Washington, D.C., and Dave Keifer Jr. of Delaware City; and his daughter, Sarah E. Keifer of Dover. A viewing will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford Street, Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Wild Lands, Inc., P.O. Box 505, Odessa, DE 19730 (delawarewildlands.org). Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.