On Wednesday morning, October 28, 2020 while at home, Howard “Byron” Keating went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Byron was born on February 20, 1944, in Monmouth, IL the son of Howard and Bertha (Simcox) Keating. He graduated from Aledo High School in 1963 and went on to earn an Agriculture degree from Southern Illinois University in 1969.
Byron served his country and joined the Iowa National Guard in 1967.
He met the love of his life, Linda Turner in 1969, and they were married on February 27, 1972, in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Byron was a lifelong farmer. Farming was not just his job; it was his passion and something he truly enjoyed. Byron started farming as a young boy alongside his grandfather and father on the family farm in rural Alexis. Byron and Linda were State and National Outstanding Young Farmer Award (OFA) winners in 1980 and were still very active with OFA. He was actively farming with his grandson Caleb and doing what he loved in his final days. Byron enjoyed traveling with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Shortly after their marriage, Byron and Linda began to serve as youth leaders at Immanuel Baptist Church in Monmouth, IL. They have enjoyed ministering in many capacities over the years and were currently serving members of the Rozetta Baptist Church in Henderson County, IL. Byron was a strong supporter of Christian radio and tuned in to WDLM each day.
Byron will be deeply missed by Linda, his loving wife of 48 years, daughters Sherri (Charlie) Bailey of Galesburg, IL, and Anita (Andy) Coffman of Myersville, MD. He was Papa to 5 grandkids, Caleb (Kara) Keating of Alexis, IL, Molly (Jon) Kohler, and Ariann Bailey of Galesburg, IL, and Taylor and Rachel Coffman of Myersville, MD. Papa was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first great-granddaughter due to arrive in December. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at the Rozetta Baptist Church, Henderson County, IL. Interment to follow at the Alexis Cemetery, Alexis, IL. Friends may call all day Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at McGuire and Davies Funeral Home in Monmouth, Il where his family will be present from 5:00-7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rozetta Baptist Church. For more information, please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
