Patrick McKeever, 77
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 1 hour, 48 minutes AGO
Patrick Lee McKeever, 77, of Rexford, Montana, passed away on July 24.
Pat was born July 19, 1949, in Clarkston, Washington, to Charles “Lee” McKeever and Mabel Jean “Spike” McKeever, née O’Connor. The family moved to Pasco, Wash. in 1958.
Pat graduated from Pasco High School in 1968, where, according to him, he mostly stayed out of trouble. He then joined the Air Force, where he served in Vietnam and Thailand as a sheet metal mechanic.
Patrick began working for the city of Pasco while still in high school. After serving in the United States Air Force, he returned to the city of Pasco full time and built a 36-year career there before retiring in 2009. He also served in the Army National Guard from 1978 to 1994, retiring as an operations sergeant major with the 1st Battalion, 303rd Armor, 81st Infantry.
Pat met his wife, Pamela, in 1971, and they raised their three children in Pasco. Pat and Pam's home was a hub of activity, where children, friends, and neighbors were all welcome.
Patrick enjoyed genealogy and spending time tinkering with his 1938 Chevrolet. Pat will be remembered for always lending a helping hand. He was the kids’ soccer coach, and he was a volunteer firefighter for Franklin County for many years.
After retirement, he served as quartermaster for the VFW Post 6786 in Eureka, Montana. He gave his time freely to support the community, with special care for local veterans.
He is survived by Pamela, his wife of 54 years; his children, Shane (Ciera), Ryan (Diana), and Lana (Dean); his grandchildren, Kade, Evan, Preston, Asher, Lu, Hyrum; Naveah, Lukas, Stella; Emmet, Madeline, and Billy; and his sister, Nancy Jo (Ken) Noller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Spike; his sister, Barbara Ann McKeever; and his son-in-law, Ben Earls.
A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held on Saturday, August 8, beginning with military honors at 4 pm at Pershing Memorial Park followed by dinner, music, and good times from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Eureka VFW Post 6786, 114 Dewey Avenue, Eureka, Montana.
Arrangements are being made by Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home in Eureka, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting: schnackenbergfh.com.