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Jack Keever Obituary

JACK KEEVER: 1938-2004

Longtime Associated Press reporter dies
Keever covered three decades of Texas history.

By Monica Polanco
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Monday, July 19, 2004

Jack Keever, who covered three decades of Texas history for The Associated Press, including Charles Whitman's deadly shootout from the University of Texas Tower in 1966, died Sunday. He was 66.

Keever, who had cancer, died in his Austin home, longtime friend Ernie Stromberger said.

Keever began his journalism career as managing editor of the Daily Texan in 1959. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1960 and later received a master's degree in journalism.

A literature lover and skilled grammarian, Keever joined The Associated Press' Dallas office in 1961 before being transferred to the Austin bureau.

He covered sports, then branched out into the political sphere, writing about the aftermath of the Kennedy assassination, 15 sessions of the Texas Legislature, 11 governor's races and political campaigns for other state offices.

"When he would interview people, they wouldn't want to respond to his questions," said Bo Byers, a former colleague. "He would just stick with it and really bear down on them to answer his questions, and he usually got his answer."

At the AP's Austin bureau, Keever reviewed his colleagues' articles before they were distributed through the wire service, Stromberger said.

"We always wanted Jack to read our stories because we knew that he would catch the grammatical errors," he said. "He was the one that was the most adept at editing out the mistakes and making the articles more readable."

An avid reader, Keever collected books and memorabilia about Texas history. He also volunteered as a member of the author-selection committee for the Texas Book Festival.

He wrote several books, including a history of Austin's waterways and a history of the Texas insurance industry. Keever also co-wrote the former governor's biography "John B. Connally: Portrait in Power" and edited several sports books.

He received many awards, including six Charles E. Green journalism awards and an honorable mention in the Paul Tobenkin Memorial Award for Columbia University.

He retired from The Associated Press in 1992 and then taught journalism at Austin Community College until 2000, receiving an award for excellence in teaching from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development.

Keever is survived by his wife, Cynthia Keever; his daughter, Erin Keever; and a son, Graham Keever. Services are pending.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be sent to the Jack Keever Scholarship Fund for managing editors of the Daily Texan at the Headliners Foundation, P.O. Box 97, Austin, TX 78767.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Jul. 19, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Keever

Not sure what to say?





Betty Jean (Jameson) Patterson

Betty Jameson Patterson

February 6, 2011

This has got to be one and the same Jack Keever that I am related to as a cousin. If his mother's name was Agnes, then it is the same Jack Keever. Here it is 2011 and I just thought of him today and decided to look him up. We only briefly met a few times, but he treated me like his younger sister telling me to save my money when I first started working in Austin with S.W.Bell. I am so sorry it took me so long to find out about his death. He was such a sweet and caring young man. It's sad that our paths didn't cross more often. Jack was from my Dad's side of the family and my parents were divorced when I was just a baby. I have lived in Spring, Texas for 30 years, Jack was only 2 years older than me. My love and condolences to his wife and family.

George (Ranny) Reynolds

August 16, 2004

Jack and I were classmates in Thomas Jefferson High School. Jack was one of the most organized and cheerful students in our 1956 graduating class. Whenever our class met for reunions, Jack and I would visit together. I was impressed that he was always genuinely interested in how my career and family were doing. We all will miss him greatly, but we will cherish our fond memories and be thankful for knowing him.

Dora McDonald

July 22, 2004

I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend, Jack Keever. During my early years as a legislative aide in the Capitol, I asked for hints to improve my writing, and Jack critiqued a couple of pieces that were a part of my work product. He was unfailingly cheerful and helpful without a hint of snootiness in teaching a neophyte better writing. My sympathy to each family member and friend comes to you today. I regret that I cannot be present to honor his memory.

Ann Patton

July 20, 2004

He will be greatly missed.

Rob and Sandra Cruz

July 20, 2004

To Graham and his family, we send our condolences.

Geri (Sue) Hudson Morgan, N.D. Class of 1958

July 20, 2004

Cindy,

I learned of your loss through our mutual friend in Austin, Linda (Stallones) Classen. I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Hattie Axtell McKinley

July 19, 2004

I remember Jack Keever in high school at Port Arthur, Texas. He had a big smile, and a big spirit - always connected positively with others around him. His generous heart will be remembered by everyone at Thomas Jefferson High School!

Sallie McKetta

July 19, 2004

Jack Keever's wit, his gusto, his devotion to his family will be missed.

Roger Mulder

July 19, 2004

Jack was a good friend and a great reporter. When I started at the Capitol as a reporter for a local radio station, the Associated Press was one of the top news bureaus with Garth Jones, Ted Powers, Robert Heard, Lee Jones, and Jack. They each had their individual strengths, but Jack was one of the best. He was good for journalism and will be missed.

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