First Gaming Commission chairman Keefer dies at 84

Since moving to Las Vegas in 1944 Milton Keefer was witness to the birth of modern gaming when Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel's Flamingo opened south of the city on the Los Angeles Highway.

In his half century of legal service Keefer served as one of the men that provided a framework for the industry that received a boost with Segal and most recently Steve Wynn's Bellagio.

Keefer, a former FBI agent, was the first chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission in 1959, at a time when there were few rules and regulations governing the administration of gambling and the licencing of gaming operations.

"Milt was one of the early pioneers in the legal profession that contributed to a growing Las Vegas," said Brian Greenspun, editor of the Las Vegas Sun. "As the first chair of the gaming commission, he did as much as anyone to create a framework that has allowed our major industry to grow and prosper at the highest degree of credibility. He was also my neighbor for a number of years, and he was outstanding in that regard, too."

Keefer died Wednesday of complications from diabetes. He was 84.

Keefer, who resigned from the gaming commission in 1967, also spent 50 years as a senior member of the Keefer, O'Reilly, Ferrario and Lubber's Law Firm. He retired from active practice in 1994 at the age of 80.

John O'Reilly, in practice with Keefer since 1973, has fond memories of his former business partner and friend.

"He was one of Nevada's historical icons," O'Reilly said. "He was one of the Southern Nevada Leaders who have made Las Vegas what it is today. I will remember him for his hard work, sense of fairness, and absolute integrity."

Among his accomplishments, Keefer was director of the Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce from 1977-78, and an original member of the Clark County Library Board when it merged with the Las Vegas system in 1973.

Keefer also was a Shriner for more than 50 years and was president of the Hualapai, Lions and Rotary clubs.

O'Reilly said Keefer's commitment to family, friends and the community were the driving factors that kept him so involved in Southern Nevada. The firm recently dedicated a special conference room to him, which displays the numerous letters of recognition, proclamations and honors he received during his years of practice.

"He was so much a part of our lives, we thought it would be great to have something as a permanent part of our office so he will remain in the hearts of those who knew him and those who don't remember him," O'Reilly said. "We want to keep his memory alive."

Keefer is survived by his wife, Jacklyn of Las Vegas; two daughters, Sherry Langnor of California and Linda Scharf of Henderson; one son, Robert Walkenshaw, of Las Vegas; and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 5 p.m. Sunday at Zelzah Shrine Temple, 2222 Mesquite Ave.

Sun reporter Jace Radke contributed to this story.

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