Ora M. Keever, 88, passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 at Smith Center Health and Rehab, Smith Center, KS.
Ora was born December 17, 1931 at grandma Gilbert's farm southwest of Lebanon, KS, the son of Alfred and Avis (Gilbert) Keever. Ora attended grade school at Pleasant Hill North of Smith Center and Barnes and Mount Carmel Schools South of Lebanon. He graduated in 1950 from Lebanon High School, Lebanon, KS. Ora enlisted in the United States Air Force right out of high school and served 20 years, 8 months and 11 days retiring on July 31, 1972. A highlight of Ora's military career was being a cook for the base general and his guests at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
While stationed in Missouri he met and married Elizabeth Hopper. Beth and Ora became the parents of two sons, Donald Max and Dale Myron. Following his military retirement in 1972, they made their home in Topeka, KS. Ora worked in civil service at the VA Hospital in Topeka and also in Lincoln, NE. After retiring from his civil service position in 1986, they moved to Smith Center, KS. Ora became an active member of First Christian Church and served as Elder and janitor. He was also in demand to do home repair, lawn work or washing windows. Beth passed away in 1986. Several years later on a trip to Minnesota, Ora met Kathryn Shirk, they were married on October 28, 1993 at Dell Lutheran Church, Frost, MN and lived in Smith Center a few years then moving back to Albert Lea, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Beth, son Dale, daughter-in-law Janet, brother Marion Keever, three sisters, Arvilla Goebel, Oleta Pixler and Leota Arment.
Ora is survived by his wife Kathryn Keever of Abert Lea, MN, son Donald Keever of Topeka; three brothers, Alvin Keever of Atchison, Walt (Vera) Keever of Smith Center, Richard (Wanda) Keever of Russell; two sisters, Rosalee Gutscher and Iris Rhoades both of Smith Center; three step-children, eleven step-grandkids and fourteen step-great grandkids and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2020 at the Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS, with Pastor Randy Hill officiating. Memorials may be given to the Ora M. Keever Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS 66967.