L. Vernell "Fibber" Mcgee

L. Vernell Fibber McGee, 79, of Farmington, passed away September 18, 2007, at Southbrook Skilled Nursing Center. He was born April 1, 1928 at Leadwood, son of the late Leonard and Geraldine (Huitt) McGee. He was also preceded in death by one son, Brian V. McGee; and one sister, Reva Narrow. He is survived by his wife, Nina (Bloom) McGee; one son, Michael K. McGee and wife,Susan of Desloge; two daughters; Angela Beacham and Keri Moyers (Cary) both of Farmington; two sisters; Melba Hendrix of St. Louis and Linda Kearns (Jim), of Park Hills; one brother, Jerry McGee of Park Hills; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family and friends. Fibber was a 1947 graduate of Leadwood High School and a 1948 graduate of Deforest Electronics. He enlisted in the US Army in 1949 and dutifully served his country in the Korean Conflict, receiving an honorable discharge in 1953. Mr. McGee was a member of the Sheet Metal Union, Local #36 in St. Louis, retiring in 1990. Mr. McGee was the only All-American Commander of VFW Post 5896, Past Master of Farmingtons Masonic Blue Lodge #132 for four terms; past Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pythias, and treasurer of the Mineral Area Legislative Labor Club for three years. He has been a member to several important organizations that include Moolah Shrine of St. Louis, ECMO Shrine of Farmington, Sword of Bunker Hill, Mineral Area Scottish Rite, Farmington Elks Lodge # 1765, the National Rifle Association, Odd Fellows and American Legion # 416, and attended the Gospel Light Free Will Baptist Church. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2007. A combined VFW and American Legion service will be held at 6:30 p.m. with a Masonic service following at 7 pm. Visitation will resume at 7:30 am on Friday, with funeral services to be held at 1:00 pm at the chapel with Rev. Larry Allison officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Chestnut Ridge Cemetery.