VERNON L. KEE

Johnston City-Vernon L. Kee 83 passed away on Wednesday February 17, 2021 at 2:11 P.M. at the Herrin Hospital.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday February 24, 2021, in the St. Paul's Catholic Church in Johnston City with Fr. Brian Barker officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Murman & Wilson Funeral home in Johnston City is in charge of arrangements.

Vernon was born on January 16, 1938 in Johnston City the son of Orville Eugene and Imogene (Porter) Kee. He married Maureen Lee on January 19, 1957. She survives.

Vernon was a salesman, working primarily in the coal mining industry. He was a member of the St. Paul's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and a founding member of the Johnston City Jaycees. As a long time Alderman and Mayor of the city, Vernon was dedicated to the town where he grew up. As a 1956 graduate of JCHS, Vernon excelled in sports and met his high school sweet heart, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage

Vernon is survived by his wife Maureen; son, Scott (Karen); daughter, Judi; son Tim (Rick); granddaughter, Amanda (Greg) Youra; grandsons, Andrew and Alex (Kelly); four great granddaughters, Brooklyn, Brynlee, Leilani, and Charlotte; four great grandsons, Braxten, Braysen, Jacob, and Miles; two sisters, Opal Avery and Barbara (Tony) Vatovec; one brother, Jerry (Gayle); brother-in-law, Gene Whitlock; sister-in-law Judy; life-long friend, Russell DeBose; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ralph and Eileen Lee; sisters, Vera Bishop and Arnetta Whitlock; a brother, George; a granddaughter, Molly Jeanette;  brother-in-law, Ralph Lee; and brother-in-law, Jack Avery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Paul's Catholic Church or to the Manna Mission.