Virgil E. Counterman, 78, died August 15, 2011 at his home in Dodge City. He was born on March 30, 1933 in Belvidere, the son of Lewis and Mona (Eyslick) Counterman.

Virgil married Shirley (Rose) Cline Bennett in 1982 in Dodge City. She survives. He was a truck driver for JAG of Dodge City.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Dodge City Bass Club, both of Dodge City.

In addition to his wife Shirley, Virgil is survived by two daughters, Debra Beck and husband Mark of Dodge City and Kathy "Kat" Cline of Mobile, Alabama; one son, Dennis E. Cline of Dodge City; one sister, Virginia Crumpler of South Hutchinson; one brother, Joe Goodwin of Oklahoma; his lifetime brother, Tim Copeland and wife Sue of Fowler; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his second mother and father, Cornie and Cecil Crane; one brother, Gerald Counterman; one sister-in-law, Freda Counterman; and one step son, Richard Cline.

Graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City on Friday, August 19, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Dick Robbins presiding. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Thursday, August 18, 2011 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Virgil Counterman Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.