Avgary G. "Av" Kehias Obituary (1924 - 2012)

Avgary G. "Av" Kehias, 88, of Pana died Sunday, February 26, 2012. He was born January 22, 1924 in Pana, the son of George A. Katherine R. Haynes Kehias. Avgary was a graduate of Pana Township High School, class of 1942, where he was a drum major in the high school band and was a member of the high school Rifle Team, where he was named the Best Rifle Shot in 1942. He attended the University of Illinois and Wayne State University in Michigan, and also served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in China India. Avgary lived his entire life in Pana, except when in college and the service. He worked in the family business, George's Candy Shop in Pana, partnering with his friend, August "Auggie" Kronshagen in 1949, owning and operating the business for 42 years. Avgary was a member of the Boy Scouts, where he was an Explorer Scout Leader, earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1939, and received the Boy Scout's Silver Beaver Distinguished Service Award in 1968. He was also a member of the Pana Lions Club for 48 years, and earned the Lion's Distinguished Services Award as a co-recipient with Linda Kehias in 2005 and he was also names the Lion of the Year in 1981-1982; Pana Masonic Lodge #226 AFAM for 65 years; Pana VFW for 66 years; Pana American Legion for 66 years; Christian County Shrine Club; and proud member of the "Pana Business District Paint Crew". He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Award for the Pana Jayceesin 1983, as well as named the Pana Labor Day Parade Co-Grand Marshal in 1999 with Auggie Kronshagen. Avgary was an amateur radio operator, license number KB9HYUI, and he became a master gardener in 1994. He and Linda also went to clownology school at Lake Land College, where they were known as Pauncho Chiquita. He married Linda Matheny on July 22, 1979 in South Holland, IL, and she survives in Pana, IL. Also surviving are his children with his first wife, Vickie: George A. Kehias wife Lois, Centerville, OH; Lawrance M. Kehias companion Lance Miller, Minneapolis, MN; and Richard A. Kehias wife Carrie, Pana, IL; 4 grandchildren: Christopher Groebe wife Jessica; Jessica Burton; Danielle Kehias; Kelly Kehias; great granddaughter: Kaitlyn; and brothers sisters: Stratewula "Sug" Wulfkuhle, Whitewater, WI; James Kehias, Normal, IL; Georgia Hamilton, Wheaton, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Katherine Groebe; step son: Eric Matheny; sister: Carolina "Dena" Garrison. Funeral Information A gathering of family friends will be held Friday, March 2, 2012 from 4 to 5 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home with Masonic rites at 5:00 p.m. followed by a celebration of life service with Rev. Marilyn Rauch officiating. Immediately following the service, everyone is invited to the United in Faith Church, Pana for food and fellowship. A private disposition will be held at a later date.