Richard Carl Klaft

Richard Carl (Dutch, Pop) Klaft, 94, of Gulfport, MS, passed peacefully in his sleep on March 12, 2024 at his home with close family. 

 Richard was born June 13, 1929 in Ludington, MI to Lena and Walter Klaft.  He was married September 20, 1968 to Sondra Nadine Nee Tipton in Biloxi, MS who proceeded him in passing. He was proceeded in passing by 3 grandchildren (Kyle Schultz, David Kubiak, Lance Jordan) and 1 great grandson Xander Brown.

He was a Technical Training Instructor at the time of their marriage at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS.  He was a retired Air Force Veteran.  He is survived by his sisters, Sally (Don) Barbo and Caroline Coleman and by numerous nieces and nephews.  He was proceeded in passing by brothers Walter (Ruth) Klaft and Gary Klaft along with sister Nita (Bud) Anderson.  

 He is survived by his children Terry (Teresa) Schultz, Robin Jackson, Timothy (Cheryl) Schultz, and Krystal (Edward) Boykin, 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.  

 Richard was an avid sportsman having pitched softball for Keesler AFB.  He also enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting and golf.  

 Special thanks to Dr. Mousa Malouf, Woolmarket Senior Center, Home Care Hospice and Reverend Brian Atwood.

 Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to St. Jude Childrens Hospital or Wounded Warriors Project, both of which Richard supported.

 Visitation will be Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15452 O'Neal Road, Gulfport, MS.  Interment will be at 1:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery with military honors by the US Air Force.

 Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Richard Klaft.