Services Will Be Held Friday for Olathe Civic Leader.

John Charles Keepers, 80 years old, one of the oldest businessmen of Olathe, Kas., and one of the town's most active civic boosters, died last night at the home there after a 2-year illness.

A trip to Kansas from Meigs County, Ohio, was made by Mr. Keepers while a baby in his mother's arms. Mr. Keepers lived in Ottawa and Independence, Kas., before he moved to Olathe as a young man.

During his many years in business there, he had been active in several types of business such as operating motor car and insurance agencies. For a time he was manager of the Olathe Gas company.

He was owner of a building at the southwest corner of the square, which was the Johnson County courthouse from 1856 to 1892, when the present courthouse was constructed. A clock in his home was in the building in 1856 and still keeps perfect time.

One of the town's best promoters of street and other improvements, Mr. Keepers was a familiar sight when petitions were being circulated. He was one of those working for the first paving in Olathe.

Mr.Keepers also was active in the planning of a building, then a Congregational church, which now is the American Legion Memorial hall.

Republican party politics received a share of Mr. Keeper's interest. He was county chairman once, and served as a justice of the peace several years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian church.

He leaves his wife, Mrs. Florence Briggs Keepers of the home, and three sisters, Mrs. Mamie Laughlin, 1840 Madison avenue; Mrs. Bert Darling, Santa Monica, Calif., and Mrs. Laurie Lawrence, Los Angeles.

Funeral services, to be held at 2:30 o'clock Friday at the Julien chapel in Olathe, will be conducted by the Rev. H.H. Beers of Omaha, who was pastor of the Olathe First Presbyterian church until a few months ago. Burial will be in the Olathe cemetery.