Vernon McKee

THEBES, Ill. -- Vernon Fredrick McKee, 86, of Thebes passed away at 9:15 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2011, at his home.

Vernon was born July 13, 1925, in Thebes, son of the late John Fredrick McKee and Edna Garner McKee.

Mr. McKee married Hattie Brown on Jan. 22, 1944. The couple had three children.

Mr. McKee and his wife farmed until 2005. He was a member of the Laborers Local 773 for 47 years. He was a member of the Pulaski-Alexander County Farm Bureau, and he also served on the school board at Thebes High School and the Egyptian School.

Loving survivors include his wife of 67 years, Hattie of Thebes; two daughters, Gloria (Larry) Vaughn of Olive Branch, Ill., and Beverly Simmons of Thebes; one brother, Leland (Mary Jo) McKee of Thebes; five grandchildren, Steven McKee, David (Brenda) McKee, Lyndal (Lori) Vaughn, Carmen (Todd) Martin and Kyle Birk; five great-grandchildren, Justin and Megan McKee, Breyden Martin, Peyton and Mason Vaughn; several nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Eugene "Gene" McKee; and a sister, Vera Dover.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jack Cathcart officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.