Our condolences to the Keever family and the Gulfport/Gladstone Fire and Police Department of Illinois. Assistant Chief Vannie Keever, 54, a veteran with the Gulfport/Gladstone Fire and Police Department died Thursday evening April 10, 2003. Vannie collapsed from an apparent heart attack at the scene of a mobile home fire. He was transported to Great River Medical Center in West Burlington by Oquawka Ambulance Service where he was pronounced dead. Companies Oquawka, Gladstone and Keithsburg Fire Departments responded to the blaze.

     Vannie was Assistant Chief of the Gladstone Fire Department, a member of the Gladstone Fire and Rescue Squad, and the Biggsville Fire Department.

     Our brother Vannie leaves behind his wife, Edna, his daughters Fay Ann Carter, Tammy Montroy, and Sherry Lynn, and his son Vannie Junior. A visitation will be held for Vannie on Monday April 14, 2003 6-8PM at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka. A funeral will be held for Vannie on Tuesday April 15, 2003 10AM at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka followed by a burial in Oquawka Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established and donations can be made to: