Jerry Allen McKeever

URBANA – Jerry Allen McKeever, 78, of Urbana, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 24, 2024, in his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry described growing up in Westville as living the life of Opie (as in The Andy Griffith TV Show). He was popular in school and strong enough to work for farmers. He enjoyed running for fun and playing golf. After he was drafted his life was defined by being injured in Vietnam. His little niece Julie showed him how to walk with crutches. He could no longer run. Fishing always made him happy, and he was good at it. He took pride every year in his garden and freely gave much away.

His life continued to be defined by Vietnam until he attended a Christian retreat, an Emmaus Walk. He witnessed that he "gave up" Vietnam at the retreat. He had always attended and served in his church, but now his heart was much lighter. He saw that experience as the low point of his life which now put the rest of his life into perspective. He was part of a prison ministry with his church until his legs could not tolerate the long walk. He was awarded a Purple Heart while in a hospital bed overseas. It was put into an empty checkbook box and remained there until found when moving from Westville to Urbana. It is now displayed on a fireplace mantle.

He married a nurse but supported her "hook, line & sinker" when God called her to preach. He especially enjoyed doing skits with her at Cable UMC. Joyce is/was his only wife. War can do that to a person. He said he was carried into Westville UMC as a baby, so he didn't have a chance. It is very fitting he will also be carried out.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Joyce McKeever; step mother-in-law, Joy Vanscoy; stepdaughter Amber Daniels, sisters-in-law, Barb McKeever, April (Jeff) Vanscoy; brother-in-law Doug (Mary) Vanscoy, nieces and nephews, Jeff (Jane), Jill (Rod), Julia (Clint), Joe (Lisa), Tommy (Margaret), Billy, Kenny (Alice), Kenny Jr., Kris, Kathy, John, Joe, Kai, Alexis; great-nieces and nephews, Amber, Jessica, Jacob, Landon, Joshua, Aaron, Betsy, LeAnn, Luke, Lindsey, Traci, Tony, Jennifer, Ashley, Rebecca, Sarah, Jason, Casey.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William, and Mildred McKeever; father-in-law Warren Vanscoy; brothers John McKeever and James McKeever; sister Della McKeever; stepson Aaron Hegele, step-grandson Austin Daniels, nephews Paul, Mason and Brooks.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024, in the Westville United Methodist Church, Westville, Ohio, with Pastor Del Bonar officiating. Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Nettle Creek Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to Westville United Methodist Church, 76 North St. Rt. 560, Westville, Ohio, or to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.