Lavere Franklin (Buckeye) McBee, age 88, a resident of Braymer, Missouri, passed away on December 9, 2023, at his home.
Buck was born on July 7, 1935, in Caldwell County, Missouri, to Claude Franklin McBee and Neva (Bisel) McBee. He graduated high school in Braymer, Missouri, and married Mary Drummond on March 23, 1980. She preceded him in death on November 29, 2020. In 1958, he joined the military, serving as an ambulance driver and assisting medics with the wounded. Post-military, he joined his father at Braymer Maytag and L.P. Bottle Gas Company. In 1974, Buck sought employment in Carrollton, Missouri, working for Banquet Dinners during winter and Wilson Packing in spring and summer. His career then led him to Trenton Foods in Trenton, Missouri, followed by construction work on missile sites, including projects in Bethany, Butler, Chillicothe, and Excelsior Springs, Missouri. He concluded his career with bridge construction at Smithville Lake and concrete construction in Garden City, Missouri.
Retired, Buck enjoyed antiquing, attending auctions with his late wife, and maintaining gardens. He also raised dogs, milk cows, and miniature horses. Known for his generous heart, he loved his family immensely.
Buck is survived by his three children, Teresa Akers of Trenton, Missouri, Lavere William McBee, and Lisa Pierce (and husband Ronnie) of Braymer, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Wanda McBee of Cowgill, Missouri; stepson, Joe Drummond of Liberty, Missouri; stepdaughter, Debbie Hall (and husband Alan) of Plattsburg, Missouri; nine grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; son, Charles Franklin (Sonny) McBee; stepdaughter-in-law, Lori Drummond; brother, Arthur Levi; and sisters, Juanita Grace, Ruby Lee Nevah, Betty Jane, and Rachel Edna.
Graveside services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Braymer, Missouri, on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation is at Lindley Pitts Funeral Home, Braymer, Missouri, on the same day from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Friends may call on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Evergreen Cemetery and left or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601.
