Bill Keas

Born September 2, 1931 in Peoria to Edward Everett and Lois Harriett (Patton) Keas, he married Elsa Schmidt on December 16, 1950 in Peoria.  She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Sharon (Dennis) Eggemeyer of Marquette Heights, Joan (Ken) Johnson of Chillicothe and Donna (Charlie) Fitzgerald of Las Vegas, Nevada; thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant son and one daughter, Carolyn Murphy.

Bill was a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pekin, where he also served as an usher.  He enjoyed posting messages on the church sign for those driving up and down Sheridan Rd.  He also enjoyed playing for the church dartball team in Pekin and Peoria.

He had proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954.

Bill had worked for Keystone Steel & Wire Co. in Bartonville in the fabric department for 35 years, retiring in 1991.

He enjoyed watching sports, especially NASCAR, football, basketball and Chicago Cubs baseball.  After retirement, he enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas to visit family and taking bus trips. 

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pekin.  Pastor Stephen Barnes will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the church.  Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, where military honors will be provided by the United States Army.

Memorial contributions may be given to Our Savior Lutheran Church at 2223 Sheridan Rd. Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Alzheimer's Association, Peoria Chapter at 606 W. Glen Ave. Peoria, IL 61614.