Collinsville VFW

The Veteran’s Building was erected in 1946 following the end of World War II in
1945. Other than the obvious, the building was used for dances, civic gatherings,
judging of competitions during the Tri County Fair, and even for high school
basketball practice during the 1954-55 season. The local high school gym burned
in December of ’54. No backboards or rims were available, so just conditioning
and learning plays was done. The teams had to travel to Claremore once a week
to practice shooting.

When you entered the building, you looked over your shoulder to see a large
photo of Joe Keith. Mr. Keith had been the first Collinsville boy to be killed during
World War II. Joe always wore glasses. He could not pass the physical exam to
join the military service. Joe decided to memorize the eye chart. He finally
passed the physical exam and joined the U.S. Army.

Joe had learned how to type in his classes at Collinsville High School. Because
very few men could type, Joe was assigned a desk job. After many requests, he
finally was able to see some action. Joe was killed during the battle at Anzio
which was an amphibious invasion on the east coast of Italy. It was supposed to
be a very easy invasion; however, the Germans were waiting for them. Joe is
buried at the Anzio Military Cemetery in Italy with his comrades. His parents had
the choice after the war of leaving Joe in Italy or bringing home to bury him in the
family plot in Collinsville. They left Joe in Italy, but they created a special
headstone for him. The names of Joseph and James Keith, the family’s only two
children, chare a headstone at Ridgelawn Cemetery west of town. Both boys’
names are on the headstone. It states that Joe is buried in Italy.

What is the last name of the architect according to the plaque on the VFW building?