Keith Hardy Hevelone, age 93 of North Platte passed away November 18, 2013 in Cozad, NE.
Keith was born October 18, 1920 in Alma, NE. He was the youngest of 6 children of Ralph R. and Cora (Hardy) Hevelone. He lost his mother very soon after birth and his father was killed in an accident when he was 10 years old. He grew up in Blue Springs, NE near one of his older sisters. On April 21, 1941 he and Betty Jane Harris were married in Marysville, KS. To this union 3 children were born, James Lee, Dennis Keith and Norma Jean.
In August of 1942 he volunteered for the US Navy and graduated from boot camp in San Diego, CA in 18 days. After training in Chicago, IL, Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA Marine base, he served with C.A.S.U. 16 and 17 in the invasion and occupation of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. He then volunteered for the invasion of Tinian in the Mariana Islands. Among awards, he, Ready, Campbell and Bills received certificates of merit for “Services rendered above and beyond the call of duty”. He was discharged in October of 1945 from Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland as disabled.
He and Betty returned to Beatrice where he was employed by the Beatrice Times newspaper. In 1950 they moved to Oshkosh, NE where he worked at the Garden County News; later to the Lincoln County Journal in North Platte, NE, Clay County News in Sutton, NE, Albee Printing in Grand Island, NE and in 1996 moved back to North Platte, NE.
Keith was a life member of VFW, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and training sporting dogs for many years.
He leaves behind his wife Betty of 72 years; sons James Lee (Barbara) of Branson, MO, Dennis Keith of Burwell, NE, and Norma Jean Petzoldt of Ord., NE; 8 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 sisters and 1 brother.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Graveside services will be 1:00 PM Friday, November, 2013 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Pastor Gary Smith officiating and full military honors. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home. Per his request, the casket will be closed.