Lyle McKeachnie

Maurice Lyle McKeachnie, age 84, passed away on March 2, 2013 in St. George, Utah. He was born on February 17, 1929 in Vernal, Utah to Edna Smith Hardy and Thomas Murray McKeachnie and lived most of his life in the Glines area of Vernal. He was the sixth of seven children. After graduating from Uintah High School, he attended Utah State University in Logan and also played center for the Aggie Football Team. He loved sports of all kinds, including boxing, baseball, softball and horseshoes. He married his sweetheart Vanda Toles on June 9, 1950 in Vernal. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on April 14, 1972. Together they had five children, and have enjoyed spending time working, playing, traveling, and singing with their family. Lyle worked with his father in farming, ranching, and in their family sheep business. John Deere tractors were always one of his passions, and he owned and operated a John Deere tractor dealership. He was an avid gardener and created the Green Thumb Nursery. He loved developing land, and formed the General Properties Corporation along with the Air Village Subdivision. He served as Chairman of the Ashley Valley Water and Sewer District. In his later years, he built the Rendezvous and Outlaw Country R.V. Park. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many capacities, including working with the youth. Lyle was active in the Jaycees, and served as a national president. He is survived by his wife: Vanda, sister: Sharon Horrocks of Vernal, children; Ronal Anderson of St. George, Utah, RaKel (Jim) Boren of Vernal, Malry (Jana) of Vernal, Tracie (Craig) Hall of Cedar City, Utah, Vance (Carolyn) of Highland, Utah, 25 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother; Colton (Helen), sister: Venice (Hugh) Hettinger, sister Edith (Floyd) Hunting, Laura (Paul) Rasmussen, brother: Glen (Sybil), grandson; Chad Boren, and grandson: Cody Daniels. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Glines 5th, 7th, and 8th Ward LDS chapel at 1270 West 1500 South. Viewings will be held Wednesday evening from 6-8 at the Balckburn Vernal Mortuary and 1 hour prior to services at the chapel. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park under the care and direction of the Balckburn Vernal Mortaury.