MCLEANSBORO, Ill. — John Edward Keith Jr., 76, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado, IL.  John was born January 20, 1948 in Denison, TX to John “Ed” Keith Sr. and Ethel (Carr) Keith.  On May 22, 2004 he married Becky (Yohe) Keith, who survives.

John previously worked as a security guard for Allied Security in Shawneetown, IL.  He enjoyed visiting with family & friends, fishing, playing cards, telling jokes, and watching Westerns.

John is survived by his wife Becky Keith of McLeansboro, a daughter Christy (Travis) Stanford of Ridgway, IL; a son John (Kaori) Keith of Okinawa, Japan; a stepson John (Jennifer) Bolger of Georgetown, TX, and an honorary son Dean (Angie) Reid of Harrisburg, IL; 6 grandchildren: R.J. (Lacey) Haney, Misty (Joe) Boney, Taisei Keith, Jayla Bolger, Nia Bolger, and Skye Bolger; 5 great grandchildren with 2 on the way; 2 sisters: Carolyn Feazel of Harrisburg, IL and Janet Griffin of Harrisburg, IL; a brother Bill (Sue) Keith of Carrier Mills, IL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents John “Ed” Keith & Ethel (Carr) Keith, 2 brothers: David Keith and Allen Keith, a sister Shirley Cox, an infant son Joseph, great grandbaby Boney, and a son-in-law Randy Haney.

Funeral services for John Edward Keith Jr. will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at First General Baptist Church in McLeansboro, IL with Pastor Barry Steed officiating.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday at First General Baptist Church.  Per John’s wishes, he will be cremated following the services and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the church or at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com