R. Keith Smith
October 13, 2018

R. Keith Smith, age 91, of Quincy, Died on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 8:55 p.m. in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born July 23, 1927 in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Carl Thomas and Esther Martin Smith. Keith spent his childhood in Bowen. Later, he and his family moved to Macomb.

On December 16, 1967, he married Marilyn Diane Sammons in Quincy. She survives.

He was a graduate of Western Academy of Macomb. After graduation, on June 12, 1945 he enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17, where he served until his honorable discharge on July 10, 1946. Keith also graduated from Western Illinois University with a B.A. and a Masters Degree. Keith was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity at Western. He started his teaching career at Macomb Junior High in 1950, and he was principal at Adair IL for two years. He came to Quincy in 1961 as principal of Irving School. Keith transferred to Adams School in 1982 and retired as principal in 1987. He was an extremely active and key member of Central Baptist Church, where he served on many boards and committees, including the Co-Builders Sunday School Class. He was also a member of American Legion Post #37 for 71 years. Keith was a 32nd Degree Mason, and he was a member Grace Whipple Chapter O.E.S., Herman Lodge #39 A.F. & A.M., Quincy Shrine Club, Ansar Temple, and AARP. He was a former member of Quincy Golden K. Kiwanis. Keith was a life member of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, National Education Association, and a life member of State Director of the Illinois Principals Association. He also served as an Auxiliary Deputy for the Adams County Sheriff's Office. Keith officiated basketball, baseball, and football for over 30 years. He enjoyed attending Gems baseball games and Quincy Blue Devil basketball games. Keith enjoyed traveling. He and Marilyn, along with four other couples, spent ten Summers in Europe, and they had visited most of the United States as well. Most of all, Keith loved spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, survivors include: two daughters: Martha Sue White of Escondido, CA; and Karen Diane (Donald) Breckenkamp of Quincy; a son, David Lantz (Denise) Smith of Camp Point; a step daughter, Kimberly Ann Sartain of Blue Springs, MO; 13 grandchildren, David Matthew White of Escondido, CA; Ann (fiancé, Deian Stefan) Breckenkamp of San Diego, CA; Michael (Erica) Breckenkamp of Quincy; Miranda (Nikk) Frank of Normal, IL; Scott (Shannon Foreman) Smith of Champaign, IL; Isaac (Brittany) Smith of Quincy; Rebecca (Ben) Askew of Golden, IL; Jacob (Brittany) Smith of South Ogden, UT; and Joseph Richard Smith of Camp Point; Kendall Groom of Lone Jack, MO; Kelcie (Ryan) Pierceall of Independence, MO; Tyler Morris of Blue Springs, MO; and Zachary Sartain of Gardner, KS; and 15 great-grandchildren: Ross and Leo Breckenkamp; Macy, Lucas, and Blake Frank; Jadon Smith; Alex, Jonathan, and Emma Rose Askew; Nikolai and Barrett Smith; Parker Pierceall; Kendrick Cargill; and Ashlyn and Brooklyn Hohenberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven Richard Smith; a sister, Juanita Michael; and two brothers-in-law: Jerry Sammons and James Michael.

Services: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Sommerfeldt officiating.

Visitation: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois with Full Military Honors by American Legion Post #37.

Memorials: Central Baptist Church, Shriners Children's Hospitals, or Unity Point Hospice.

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

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