Notes for EDWARD LEROY "JACK" KIER:

Son of Russell Dudley and Rosamond Nettie (Pilcher) Kier.
Born: November, 18 1922 in Courtland, Republic County, Kansas.
Died: November 11, 2006 in Vernal, Uintah County, Utah.
Buried: Vernal Memorial Park, Vernal, Uintah County, Utah.
Married: (1) Rita C York March 17, 1955 in Unknown. (Divorce.)
(2) Georgine E Traber Unknown in Unknown.

Obituary
November 15, 2006
E.L. "Jack" Kier
E.L. "Jack" Kier, 83, passed away at his home in Vernal on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006. He was born on Nov. 18, 1922 in Courtland, Kan. to Nettie Rosamond Pilcher Kier and Russell Dudley Kier. Russ and Rosie had three sons: Jack, Ken, and Dick.

Jack graduated from Kremmling High School in Kremmling, Colo. in 1941. Soon after he was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force and served in Europe until 1946. He had a very distinguished career which included many decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and his most prized possession, a letter of commandation from President Harry Truman. He flew 50 missions over Germany as a fighter pilot making 7 kills. He then rose to the rank of Major and served as the commanding officer for all of Southern Germany. He later obtained the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was most proud of his service to his country.

After serving his country he returned to Artesia, Colo. to go into the furniture business with his father. That business grew to include various successful enterprises, most based in Vernal. Included among those busineses were Utah Colorado Gas Co., Tomahawk Trucking, LP Gas and Keir Co. During the 30 years Jack was a businessman in Vernal, he and his father Russ, formed Western Petroleum after Jack was able to obtain, through considerble effort, the authority to represent Chevron Oil in the Basin.

He loved to work with wood and even more he loved the mountains, gathering fire wood, entertaining friends and business associates at his cabin. He loved his family.

Jack is survived by 2 sons, . . . ; and 2 daughters, . . . ; and 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Kenneth and Dick.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wedneday, Nov. 15, 2006 at the St. Paul Episcopal Church, 226 West Main. Burial in the Vernal Memorial Park with Military Honors form American Legion Post 124 & 11. Under the direction of Thomsom-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.