Vernon Dale Keever

Posted

(Dec. 29, 2004)

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 3 at Ballard Funeral Home in Cody for Vernon Dale Keever, 85, who died Wednesday, Dec. 29 at West Park Nursing Home.

He was born July 17, 1919, to Ora E. and Hazel M. Keever in Quitman, Mo. He helped his dad on the farm and worked for neighbors for many years.

He graduated from Quitman, Mo., high school in 1939. He was baptized in the Southern Methodist Church when he was 8.

He came to Cody in the early 1940s. He worked for Joe Winninger at Meeteetse in 1942, doing ranch work. He worked for Clyde Webster from 1943-1944 in Meeteetse doing ranch work.

He returned to Missouri and married Helen Louise Kempf on Feb. 14, 1947. They moved to Cody in September of 1947, riding in the back of his parents' pickup with their few belongings. He worked for a time as a plumber's helper, then went to work for the City of Cody in 1950.

He was appointed street commissioner in 1954 and retired in 1987.

He joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Cody in 1944. He was a member of the Cody aerie for 60 years. He was president of Cody Aerie 818 in 1968-69 and served in all local offices as well as state offices. He was Wyoming State President in 1983-84. He was state honorary father in 1992-93 and was honorary state grandfather in 1999-2000. He served as tri-state president and was mountain regional cancer president in 1982.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Helen; son Elwin Charles Keever (Nina); daughter Linda Marie Ruskowsky (Dale); brother Blaine Keever of Cody and brother Shelby (Emilee) Keever of Maryville, Mo.; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dale Edward Keever; and brother, Purl Garland Keever.

Cody Eagles provided graveside rites, with members of the Eagles as pallbearers.

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