Joe C. Keever M.D.

1902 - 2015

1920 - 2015

Joe C. Keever, M.D. died November 10th 2015, in the comfort of his home in the valley his ancestors helped to settle. Born in September 1920 in the farmhouse on the family homestead to pioneers who settled in Springfield in 1864, Dr. Keever lived in Springfield and Eugene most of his life. He attended Edison grade school and was in its very first class and graduated from Springfield high school in 1938. There he met his beloved wife, Muriel Tyson, whom he married in 1942 after both had graduated from the University of Oregon. In the fall of 1942, Dr. Keever joined the US Army and immediately began medical school at the U of O medical school in Portland. He graduated in 1946 and served as an Army physician from 1947 to 1949 when he began a residency in surgery which he completed in 1951. Dr. Keever completed his military service and medical training at the Veterans Administration hospital, Fort Harrison, Montana.

In 1954, Joe and Muriel and their growing family returned to Springfield where he began a private practice in general surgery, moving his practice to Eugene in 1957. He and Muriel enjoyed a large community of friends and colleagues, and they began sailing in the Puget Sound in the 1960's. He built two large sailboats, meticulously designing and finishing the interiors himself with perfection in every detail. Many happy hours were spent aboard his sailboats in the company of family and friends. Good times and much laughter ensued.

After retirement, Joe and Muriel continued to sail, ending their boating days with his third boat, a converted US Navy motor launch moored at Florence. After Muriel's death in 2000, he filled his days in his shop with more woodworking projects and a new hobby, building working model historic engines. He machined and often designed to-scale model engines, making new friends in the Mid-Valley model engineering clubs and exhibiting his engines annually at the G.E.A.R.S. show in Portland. He was a faithful visitor to the annual Brooks "Steam-Up" event where his grandfather's Case steam traction engine led the parade. He was also a scratch cook whose pies and jams appeared at friends' and family tables throughout the years and a willing handyman to many.

Dr. Keever was a proud and exacting man whose determination was remarkable. His pleasure in and gratitude for the life he lived never left him. His mind remained sharp to the end. His enthusiasm and curiosity never flagged. His inventive imagination as he created small engines and countless handcrafted gifts leaves his friends and family with wonderful mementos of his energy and intelligence.

Dr. Keever is survived by his children, Martha (Bill), Jed (Helen), and Liz (Feisal); by his grandsons Matt (Marie) and Tyson (Quinn); and by his four great grandchildren.

May his spirit live on in all our lives.

Interment and a small memorial have been held.