Vernon McKellips

Vernon McKellips, 88, born May 29, 1931 in North Platte, Neb., passed away Wednesday morning, Nov. 13, 2019 in Springfield.
McKellips was a career United States Army retiree. He began his service with U.S. Army in 1955 and re- tired in 1976. While serving in the Army, he received several awards, including; four Bronze Stars, Na- tional Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Air Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and five Overseas Bars.
After retiring from the military, he continued a work- ing life for several years. He worked as a truck driver, transportation supervisor, farmer and additionally he worked for the United States Postal Service.
Upon a change in medical condition, he fully retired in 1990 and moved to Branson.
While living in Branson, and later, Clever, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing and traveling.
McKellips was preceded in death by his father, Troy; mother, Leona; two brothers, Delbert and Robert; and his sister, Freeda.
Survivors include his wife, Martha; daughters, Joan Beisher and husband Ken, Rose Cooper and husband Buddy, Donna Gilson and husband Bill, Hong Nguyen and husband Chinh; sons, Vernon McKellips and wife June, Thomas McKellips and wife Virginia.; his sisters, Waunita Campbell, Doris Warner, June Blevins, and Judy Crawford; his brothers, Charles, Ronald, Jerry, Troy, David and Richard.
He is also survived by stepdaughters, Karla Her- rmann and Kimberly Plasek.
Visitation was at 10 a.m., with the funeral service at 11 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, in Meadors Funeral Home, Republic. Burial, with full military honors, fol- lowed the service at 1 p.m., in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. The family has requested contri- butions to March of Dimes in lieu of flowers please. Fam- ily and friends may share online condolences at www. meadorsfuneralhome.com.