Keefer John Bernhisel, 24, of Mt. Holly Springs, died Friday, November 29, 2013, in Mt. Holly Springs. He was born November 25, 1989, in Carlisle, a son of Kelly J. (Jones) Sowers and Timothy J. Bernhisel.

Keefer was a 2008 graduate of Boiling Springs High School, where he played linebacker on the football team. As a sophomore, he was a member of the "Bubbler" football team that went undefeated in league play. In July of 2008, Keefer entered active military service with the United States Army. He was a combat engineer in Afghanistan. Keefer earned the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Combat Action Badge,National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge and the Certificate of Achievement. Keefer was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, weightlifting and hanging out with his friends.

He is survived by his mother, Kelly (Jones) Sowers of Mt. Holly Springs and with whom he lived, his father, Timothy J. (his companion, Anna Stone) Bernhisel of Carlisle, one brother, Lance B. Bernhisel of Mt. Holly Springs, his best canine friend, Cinnamon, maternal grandparents, Joe and Rose Bishop of Carlisle, paternal grandfather, John Bernhisel of Landisburg, paternal grandmother, Loretta Bernhisel of Gardners, maternal great-grandfather, William Miller of Carlisle and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, with Pastor Tim Wheeler officiating. Burial with military honors by Cumberland County Honor Guard will be in Mt. Holly Springs Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 12 noon until time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to his mother, Kelly J. Sowers, 309 Pine Rd., Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065.