Kenneth LeRoy Steeves, Sr. of Jasper Missouri passed away on Friday, November 11th 2016. He had been a resident at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon, MO since March of 2016.
He is survived by his loving wife Joan of 52 years. He is also survived by his three children; Tammy Foster and her husband Lawrence of Jasper, Kenneth Jr and his wife Sandy of Jasper, and Timothy and his wife Brandi of Carthage. He was a loving Grandfather to several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Arlene Blaisdale of White Bear Lake, MN.
He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father George and Edith (Richardson) Steeves, one brother George Steeves, and granddaughter Elisabeth Caroline Wenger.
Kenneth was born on the 4th of July 1942 in Minneapolis, MN. He grew up on his family farm near Ogilvie, MN. After graduating high school he attended college in St. Cloud, MN and then joined the US Army. He served over 20 years which included overseas duty in Korea, three tours in Vietnam, three years in Germany and various posts in the US. He was a highly decorated soldier. Some of the awards he received were the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palms and Bronze Star. He retired as a Sergeant First Class in 1982 and moved his wife and children to Jasper, MO.
After retiring from the Army he served as Chief of Police for the city of Jasper. He also was the Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 88 which he enjoyed so much. He was a member of the Baptist Church.
Kenneth and Joan spent many of their retirement years traveling. They loved taking their RV to Texas and other warm states during the winter.
Visitation will be held at Weng Funeral Chapel, Jasper, Missouri on Tuesday, November 15th from 6-7 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Wednesday, November 16th at Weng Funeral Chapel with graveside services to follow at Waters Cemetery.