Jerry Keever

     Jerry Keever, age 81, a resident of rural Jay County, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at his home in rural Jay County. 

     Jerry was born on March 17, 1942, in Winchester, Indiana, the son of Maurice Earl and Winifred Pauline (Hunt) Keever.  Jerry graduated from Farmland High School in 1960, and attended Purdue University for engineering, and finished his degree at Ball State University.  Between his education, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963 and trained as a field artillery operator and intelligence assistant.  During his time in service, he spent 18 months stationed in Germany and attained the rank of Sergeant.  His last assignment was with Headquarters Battery, 5th Battalion, 83rd Artillery.  Jerry left the Army in November of 1966 and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal and was a qualified expert with the M-1 Rifle.

     Jerry worked at Westinghouse, Sheller Globe, General Tire, Anchor Hocking and Stelrema.  After retirement Jerry spent his time with farming and building a herd of Angus cattle and became a member of the Indiana Angus Association.  Jerry had a passion for airplanes, earning his private pilots license in 1983.  He also had an interest in trains.

     Jerry was a member and Past Master of the Farmland Masonic Lodge 308 and was also a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite.  He was a 10 year 4-H member in Randolph County and continued to support the club throughout his life. 

     Jerry leaves behind his wife Katie (Sipe) of 55 years. 

     Other survivors include:

     His children:  Heather Simpson (husband Matthew) – Bartlett, Illinois

                           Tyson Keever – Farmland, Indiana

                            Nathan Keever (wife Michelle) – Bellevue, Nebraska

                             Adam Keever – Newark, Delaware

      4 grandchildren:  E’Vaughna Shepherd (husband Tyler), Logan Simpson, Hayden Simpson and Sadie Keever. 

      2 great-grandchildren:  Theodore and Callen Shepherd

      Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland.  Masonic services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.  Pastor Darrel Borders will officiate the funeral service and burial will follow at Reitenour Cemetery, west of Deerfield.  American Legion Post #211 will conduct military graveside rites. 

      Memorials may be directed towards Southern Care Hospice. 

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