(From Parker Mortuary)
Gary was born October 9, 1943 in Joplin, son of the late Parker McKeehen and Merley Woodard McKeehen. He attended Joplin High School, and left early to join the United States Navy at the age of 17. He served in Vietnam on the USS Hancock out of California, being on the ship for 2 years and 9 months. He returned to Joplin and worked for Vickers, then Thermal Engineering before retiring from C & C Machine Products as a supervisor.
In his younger years, Gary enjoyed spending time working on cars, racing at MOKAN Drag Strip, and being a member of the 4 State Vettes Club with his corvette. He also enjoyed being outdoors hunting and fishing, and was a proud member of the Joplin Elks Lodge, #501, and the VFW.
Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Denise Hebert McKeehen; daughters, Amy Schroer of Boston, Massachusetts, Bethany Schroer of Joplin, Jennifer Schroer (Kevan Martone) of San Mateo, California, Adena Burks (Wayne), and Paula Hurl (William) all of Joplin; grandchildren, Averi Burks, Allie Burks, Keenan Hurl, Marshall Hurl, Greyson Elick, California Martone, and Diem Martone.
Graveside service with Full Military Honors will be Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Mausoleum with Rev. Rick Flinn officiating.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Joplin Elks Lodge care of Parker Mortuary, 1502 S. Joplin Ave., Joplin, MO 64804.
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