K. "David" Keyster

K. David Keyster, 75, of Peoria County, formerly of Versailles and Tremont, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on the sabbath May 24, 1947, a son of Marian Bernice (Smith) and Karl T. Keyster. God united Dave and M. Kathleen Weeks in marriage on June 10, 1972 in Peoria. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary this year!

She survives along with their two children, Erik David (Kristin) Keyster of Texas and Rebekah Mary (Brett James) Strasma of Illinois; three grandsons, Skyler James, Jaden David, and Ethan Asher; sister, Karin (John) Emery of Illinois; brother-in-law, Ron (Cindy K) Weeks of Arizona; and three sister-in-laws, Kris (Jim) Buecker, Cindy (Russ) Carrington and Terri (Tom) Stevens all of Illinois. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Aunt Wilma, and Uncle Wally.

He served his country in the US Navy from 1965 to 1970 on the USS Enterprise. As a veteran of the Vietnam War, he enjoyed the life-changing experience of the Greater Peoria Honor flight on June 2, 2022.

Dave used his mechanical gift at Mitsubishi Motors in Bloomington for 18 years before retiring in 2004. In addition to working inspection, he test drove the Eclipse. Previously, he worked for Caterpillar in Mapleton as a patternmaker between 1976-1986.

He was a member of Heaven’s View Christian Fellowship in Peoria, a lifetime member of the VFW, as well as a member of the Spokesman’s Club and the Daves Club. He diligently studied the Word of God, even listening to the Bible when he could no longer see to read. Like his namesake King David, he passionately loved prayer, music, and writing.

Dave’s graveside only service will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria with full military honors. Rev. Cliff Parks will officiate. Service arrangements have been entrusted to the Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to David Keyster's Grandsons Educational Fund care of CEFCU and the Greater Peoria Honor Flight. Online condolences and memories may be shared with David’s family at www.woolsey-wilton.com.