Everett Rice Keith, 84, of Memphis, Missouri died at his home on Saturday, April 19, 2008. He was born February 18, 1924 at LaGrange, Missouri to Everett A. and Ethel Rice Keith.
Everett served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, entering active duty on August 22, 1941 and being separated from active duty on March 3, 1947.
After returning from the service, Everett opened Keith's Cafe in Memphis. He married Zelda Marie Fowler at the Baptist parsonage in Memphis, Missouri on January 30, 1951. To this union three children were born.
In 1951 Everett and Zelda built the present restaurant on his mother's garden space. They have been in business for 59 years. Everett was raised in the Baptist faith as his father wasd a Baptist minister. He was a member of the Memphis Masonic Lodge AF and AM #16. He was also a member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry S.J. USA-Valley of Columbia Orient of Missouri, a member of the Moila Temple at St. Joseph, Missouri and a member of the Knights Templar Commandry in Kirksville, Missouri.
Everett enjoyed traveling, playing cards and collecting antiques. The ceiling of the Keith's Cafe is covered with cups that have been collected through the years.
He is survived by his wife, Zelda, of 57 years; a daughter, Teresa Marie Keith and fiance, Ron Boone, of Waukee, Iowa; two sons: Everett Rice Keith, Jr. and fiance, Scarlett Hamilton, of Memphis, Missouri and George Richard Keith and wife, Marla of Medina, Ohio and three grandchildren: Gregory Richard Keith and Morganna Keith, both of Medina, Ohio and Nathan Caleb Spray and wife, Dena, of Naples, Florida. Also surviving is a brother, Orville Gardine and wife, Diane, of Rocky Mount, Missouri and a sister, Ethel Elizabeth Pulliam and husband, Keith, of Corder, Missouri.
Everett was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, George Richard Keith who was killed at Pearl Harbor and a brother in infancy. Visitation will open after 9 A.M. Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at the Memphis Funeral Home. The family will be present from 6 to 8 P.M. A Masonic Memorial Service will be conducted at 8 P.M. by the Memphis Masonic Lodge #16.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at Memphis Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Campbell and Pam Glasgow officiating. Music will be rendered by Joe Fulk and Ann Luther. Burial will follow in the Greensburg Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial Post 4958 VFW. Serving as casket bearers will be Nathan Spray, Travis Mathews, Phil Harbur, Roger Lee Robinson, Jamie Parker and Mike Gelbach. Honorary bearers will be Clark Mustoe, Paul Forrester, Phil Struble, Sam Crawford, Vernon Yoder and Dwight DeRosear.
As an expression of sympathy, memorials may be given to the Downing House, Memphis Masonic Lodge #16 or the Hannibal-LaGrange College. Memlorials may be left at or mailed to Memphis Funeral Home, 378 South Market Street, Memphis, Missouri 63555. Online condolences may be sent to mmphisfh@nemr.net. Memphis Funeral Home is caring for Everett and his family.
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