Lowell F. Keiger

Lowell F. Keiger, 89, of Springfield, passed away at 9:36 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Lowell was born January 27, 1920 in Mt. Erie, IL, the son of Edd and Rachel Porterfield Keiger. He married Audrey M. Seibert on January 23, 1943 in St. Charles, MO. She preceded him in death on March 24, 2004. Lowell graduated from Mt. Vernon High School. He served his country in the Army Air Corps during WWII. Along with his wife, they owned and operated the original Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in Springfield. Lowell was a member of the Central Baptist Church. He was also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Jesse, Edward, and Will; and four sisters, Ruth Anderson, Lillian Kuhner, Thelma Tolbert and Sarah Pace. He is survived by his daughter, Janie (husband, Bob) West of Springfield; four grandchildren, Stephen Vrabel of Placerville, CA, Damon Vrabel of Seattle WA, Todd (wife, Amy) West of Orlando, FL, and Jeffrey West of St. Louis, MO; two great-grandchildren, Braden and Ethan West of Orlando, FL; one sister, Edrie McMackin of Rockwall, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 10:00 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 18, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A funeral ceremony will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Reg Mills officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church, 501 S. 4th St., Springfield, IL 62701.