By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
71 Comments
  • Visitation

    Drive through visitation
    Cisne Fire House
    4 to 7 pm
    Friday, May 15

  • Service

    Private family graveside service will be held.

  • Full Obituary

    GARLAND DEAN KECK, 70, of Cisne, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at the Linda E White Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana.

    Garland was born November 6, 1949 to Quentin and Beulah (Eastin) Keck at Flora, Illinois. He married Linda (Meisner) Keck on November 20, 1976 in Raymond, Illinois.

    He retired from the North Wayne School District #200 in Cisne, Illinois where he taught Social Studies for many years. While Garland was at North Wayne, he was also baseball, track, and golf coach for many years. He was also a Trustee on the Bedford Township Cemetery Board and a member of the Cisne Community Center Board.

    Garland was an avid Cardinals Baseball and Chicago Bears fan. He always enjoyed talking about sports, going to the local sports games watching his former students and was very involved in youth athletics. He loved going to watch his grandchildren anytime that he possibly could attend their activities. He would ask about his former students when you would see him where they were at and what they were doing now. He was a former employee of the Hosselton Funeral Home in Cisne.

    Garland is survived by his wife Linda Keck of Cisne, Illinois; two sons Brian Keck of Cisne, Illinois, and Troy (Beth) Keck of Evansville, Indiana; one sister Karla Keck of Clay City, Illinois and one brother Gary (Susan) Keck of Carmi, Illinois; five grandchildren, Landen , Karsen, Colten, Andrew and Braden Keck.

    Preceding him in death are his parents and one sister Linda Marie Keck.

    A drive through visitation will be held 4pm to 7pm on Friday, May 15 at the Cisne Fire House. The line up for the visitation will start at the Cisne High School. A private family graveside service will be held on Saturday.

    Memorial may be directed to the Greater St. Louis Down Syndrome Association or St. Edwards Catholic Church and will be accepted at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

71 Condolences
 
  1. Judi Schell / May 12, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Linda and boys. Was deeply saddened by hearing of Garland’s passing. You will all be in my prayers. Garland will leave a big hole in the community.

  2. Delbert & Becky Rodgers / May 12, 2020 at 7:11 pm

    What a wonderful and caring guy. So sorry for Garland’s family. May your many memories help you through this difficult time. We attended Clay City High School with Garland and his big sister, Linda, back in the ’60’s.

  3. Charlie and Patty Peters / May 12, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    Our deepest sympathies. Our prayers are with you all.

  4. Versa "Kay" Miller / May 12, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    It was such a privilege for Randy and I to know Garland. He was a Godly man, exceptional teacher and coach. May you feel God’s presence through your loss. May you find peace and joy knowing he has received his reward for living a remarkable life.

  5. Kay Kitley / May 12, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    Linda, so sorry to hear this! He will be greatly missed! Always enjoyed visiting with both of u when u came in for rehab! Prayers! Bill &. Kay Kitley

  6. Linda Spicer / May 12, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    We have shared many outings, trips, dinners, and sporting events with Garland. We will greatly miss the other half of Linda. I know he will be greatly missed by many in Cisne. We are very sad that he has left us, but we know his physical limitations are now gone. Prayers for Linda and her family.

  7. Kim , Jonathan, Noah and Ellie Hill / May 12, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    Linda and boys so sorry to hear about the passing of Garland. What a great man. So very blessed to be neighbors for those years. My heart breaks for you all we as a family know what you are all going through. Linda if you need anything myself or my kids can do please let us know. Many hugs and prayers to you all. Paul and Garland reunited in Heaven. ❤️💜💙

  8. Roger & Claudia berg / May 12, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    So very sorry for your. He will be greatly missed

  9. Melanie (Beeson) Benoit / May 12, 2020 at 8:26 pm

    Linda, Brian and Troy,

    I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Keck’s passing. He was a wonderful educator and will be greatly missed. Your family is in my prayers.

  10. Gina Heuerman / May 12, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    Garland was such a great guy! I have always enjoyed seeing him! He always had a big wave and contagious smile! Thoughts and prayers for Linda and family.

  11. Jeremy Young / May 12, 2020 at 9:09 pm

    Mr Keck was a wonderful person and an inspiring teacher. His passion for education within his classroom was undeniable and was instilled in many generations of students within the North Wayne School District. The families of the district were blessed to have his influence. My condolences to Mrs Keck and family.

  12. Ernie Lewis / May 12, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    Mr Keck was always a favorite teacher. He was such a kind friend to everyone. We will miss him in Cisne! We’re praying for all your family.

  13. Terry Igert / May 12, 2020 at 9:16 pm

    We are praying for you all!!! Our deepest sympathies to the family!!!

  14. Sharon David / May 12, 2020 at 10:53 pm

    Prayers for Linda and family. Growing up in Clay City; his family (the Keck family) were a part of our community.
    Many years later when I would see Garland and Linda still knew me and were always so nice. Garland will be missed by all.

  15. Rick and Shari Meisner / May 12, 2020 at 10:55 pm

    Garland was such a respectable gentleman with lots of integrity. We always enjoyed seeing him and visiting with him. His life was Linda, Brian and Troy and their families. He will be greatly missed. Shari, Rick and family.

  16. Troy, Phyllis, Carla and Justin Helm / May 12, 2020 at 11:05 pm

    Garland will be missed by all. He was a great teacher to me and my kids. When my son was in school and forgot his books at school Garland was so grateful to go and unlock the door for him to get them. He would always ask about his former students. Prayers go out to the family.

  17. Tiffany Lyons / May 12, 2020 at 11:38 pm

    Mr. Keck was an amazing teacher. I will never forget how much fun we had in class. His smile and laugh were infectious. I am truly blessed to have Mr. and Mrs. Keck in my life. My prayers are with the family.

  18. Jean Walker / May 13, 2020 at 1:36 am

    My condolences to Linda and the families. My prayers for comfort and healing for all of you are being sent your way.

  19. Jeff W Hatcher / May 13, 2020 at 4:54 am

    Condolences to Linda and family . Sorry for your loss. He was a great man and a great teacher, May he rest in peace and his family have peace knowing he is in a better place flying high watching over them.

  20. Joe and Rita Haines / May 13, 2020 at 6:04 am

    Linda and family, so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed seeing you and Garland at sporting events when your boys were playing around the same time Andy played. You are in our thoughts and prayer now and in the days ahead.

  21. Mandy Berg / May 13, 2020 at 6:11 am

    Mrs Keck I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow. Remember the good times and the smile he was always wearing.

  22. Tiffany / May 13, 2020 at 6:32 am

    To the family:
    Aside from the fact that he was my favorite teacher and you could see his passion, I also had the privilege of watching him watch his gifted grandsons in sports. You could see the pride on his face and he was at almost every single game. He was a great man and will be sorely missed.

  23. Mark and Karen Shehorn / May 13, 2020 at 6:40 am

    We are so sorry to hear of Garland’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers to Linda and family. Such a sweet man with a smile on his face.

  24. Clay Snyder / May 13, 2020 at 6:44 am

    So sorry to hear about the passing of Garland.

  25. Dale and Jeanette Laughlin / May 13, 2020 at 6:51 am

    Sorry to hear of Garland`s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

  26. Janie (Endsley) Young / May 13, 2020 at 7:23 am

    Mrs. Keck my thoughts are prayers go out to your family. Mr. Keck was a great teacher and I know he will be greatly missed by so many.

  27. Becky Selph Creighton / May 13, 2020 at 7:26 am

    I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, dad, and grandpa. What a wonderful man he was. Growing up, he was one of my favorite teachers! I was in 6th grade when Miss Meisner started teaching at Cisne Middle School. I had two wonderful teachers that year. ♥️ He has left behind a wonderful legacy. May your memories bring you comfort.

  28. Angela Tackitt / May 13, 2020 at 7:29 am

    I am so sorry to hear of Garland’s passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

  29. Diana & Greg Rutland / May 13, 2020 at 7:30 am

    Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

  30. Glenda Cooper / May 13, 2020 at 7:46 am

    Linda and family I am so sorry to hear of Garlands passing, he was such a kind person. I so enjoyed doing cardiac rehab with both of you. He loved his Cardinals. I’ve thought of you both and wondered how you were. Again I’m so sorry for your loss, may God bless your family and be with you at this terrible time.

  31. KEVIN BOOKHOUT / May 13, 2020 at 8:09 am

    First, our condolences to your family. I have many fond memories of Garland. He was a great teacher, coach, and mentor. He was one of my favorites in the early 80’s and I always enjoyed visiting with him for the last nearly 40 years. As I look back, I think what I respected most about him was that he ran a tight ship. No nonsense, not a lot of drama, but if you gave him good effort whether academically or in sports, you were going to get along great. We had another connection. Garland started as student teacher under the guide of my grandmother. Knowing both of them, it was easy for me to see where some of his strict, but kind nature came from. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in peace, “Mr. Keck”.

  32. Cheryl McCarty / May 13, 2020 at 8:11 am

    Linda and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Do you think Garland and Jim are exercising together again? Sending prayers for peace.

  33. Jim and Aleta Tackitt / May 13, 2020 at 8:36 am

    Our sincere sympathy to Garland’s family. Jim always enjoyed talking to Garland. I know he will be missed by all that loved and knew him.

  34. Doug & Debbie Slover / May 13, 2020 at 8:55 am

    Our sincere sympathies for your loss. Linda and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

  35. Joe and Pam Harrell & family / May 13, 2020 at 9:03 am

    Linda and sons, We are so very sorry to hear the passing of Garland. He was a special, gentle man. Joe and I always enjoyed talking with him and Linda at various sporting and community events. We also enjoyed watching the boys play sports. He will be sadly missed. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in this difficult time.

  36. Gleason and Sandy Dial / May 13, 2020 at 9:19 am

    Linda, Gary, and Karla and families. We are so sorry to hear of Garland’s passing. Was surprised when we ran into he and Linda at Evansville mall when we lived in Santa Claus IN. It was good to him and how we had and changed. May God surround you all with comfort and peace.

  37. Gomez Family / May 13, 2020 at 9:31 am

    Linda, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in our prayers during this difficult time.

  38. Sandra Sulsberger / May 13, 2020 at 9:57 am

    Linda, So sorry to hear of Garland’s passing!!! May he rest in peace and and be forever in Heaven!!!!!!!!!!

  39. Bill and Denise Lewis / May 13, 2020 at 10:06 am

    Heaven definitely gained an angel but left a hole in the hearts of many. He made such a positive impact on the youth in our community!! His memories will live forever in the many stories that arise from time to time!! You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 😇🙏🏻🥰

  40. Bill & Charlene Gilmore / May 13, 2020 at 11:18 am

    Linda, Prayers are sent in behalf of you and your family. I did not know Garland was in Linda White Hospice Care It is a terrible time and it is great you can have the drive-thru visitation. God Bless you and your family!

  41. George Flexter / May 13, 2020 at 11:24 am

    Garland was one of the best!

  42. Leon & Glenda Sharp / May 13, 2020 at 11:33 am

    Our thoughts & prayers are with the family.

  43. Aaron Wrentmore / May 13, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    So sorry for your loss he was a great person and a great teacher he will be truly missed by many people

  44. Rodney Hawkins / May 13, 2020 at 12:17 pm

    I am sorry to hear of Garland’s passing. As others on here have stated he was a great teacher but he was a great man. I have had the privilege over the last several years to see my former teacher and coach at various sports and restaurants, he would always go out of his way to make sure he talked with me and ask about my son’s sports. Linda and family you are in my prayers.

  45. Gay Wright / May 13, 2020 at 12:23 pm

    My sympathies for your loss, he was a kind man, always with a smile. I loved that every time I saw him, even after all of these years, the two of you seemed genuinely happy to see me and that made me feel special. He will be missed and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  46. Susan Allison / May 13, 2020 at 3:40 pm

    Dear Linda,
    I’m so sorry to hear about Garland’s death. God Bless your family. My first introduction to you and Garland was when you were having your boys…a few years back. Garland was always friendly and my prayers of comfort are for you, Troy, Brian and their families. Rest in God’s Peace Garland.
    Susan

  47. Noel and Wanda Madding / May 13, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    Linda and family, we are sorry to hear of Garland’s passing. Garland was one of those guys that you wanted to be around and also one that you wanted around you as a friend. Peace of the Lord to you.

  48. Trish Merrick / May 13, 2020 at 5:17 pm

    I was so sorry to here about Mr. Keck’s passing. He seemed such a kind & gentle soul. I’m sure he would have smiled had he known how often my daughter says “Garland Keck taught me that”.

  49. Jan and Frank Herman / May 13, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    Linda, Troy, Brian, and Family,

    We are so sorry to hear of Garland’s passing. . You all have our sympathy and prayers!

  50. Brenda and Jerry Kling / May 13, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    Our deepest sympathy to the family. Garland was such a wonderful man and inspiration to those who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  51. Mark Smith / May 13, 2020 at 7:47 pm

    Garland will always be remembered by so many of us as a gifted teacher and coach. It was apparent he loved his work in education and he mentored young people in a very special way, always motivating them to do their best and strive for higher goals. We pray for comfort and blessings for his family.

  52. Bob and Patricia anderson / May 13, 2020 at 8:10 pm

    Bob & Patricia Anderson

    Linda Troy Brian Gary Karla and family

    Our thought and prayers are with the family

  53. Jeremy and Andrea Kohn and children / May 14, 2020 at 6:41 am

    Linda and family,
    I was saddened to hear of the news of Mr. Keck’s passing. He was and will always be one of my favorite people. He always knew people no matter where he seen them, and had a genuine caring conversation with them. Heaven gained a good one and someday we will all be reunited.

  54. Robert and Cheryl Reel / May 14, 2020 at 7:29 am

    To Linda, Brian and Troy: So sorry to hear of Mr. Keck’s passing. Was not aware of his recent health issues. He was one of those people you just assume will always be there. Then it is such a shock when he isn’t. Prayers to your family.

  55. Heidi Frederick / May 14, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    Praying for you all. I will miss seeing Garland at the ball games.

  56. Mike and Denise Wood / May 14, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    To Linda, Brian, Troy, and the rest of the family. We are deeply saddened to hear about Garland. It will seem so strange not seeing him sitting there in the first row of CHS basketball games. He was admired by his students and coworkers, and I think that is because he always did things the right way. We will miss him.

  57. Jim and Kathy Taylor / May 14, 2020 at 8:33 pm

    Gary and Susan, so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. Your family is in our prayers for comfort during this time of grief.

  58. Darrell Carder / May 14, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    I remember Garland as a young boy following his dad from field to field on a Case tractor. I enjoyed watching Garland when he played basketball. But what I remember most about Garland is that he was a super nice guy. He will be missed by many.

  59. Paul Scarbrough / May 14, 2020 at 8:51 pm

    Garland was a Great Teacher for Me and My Classmates ,
    As most everyone on here has said …. He always seemed to remember every one of His Students ….
    May God be with Linda and the Family through this time

    Paul Scarbrough

  60. Trista Meisner / May 14, 2020 at 10:01 pm

    Our deepest condolences… we know how much Uncle Garland loved his family and took pride in his kids and grandchildren. We will miss seeing him at family reunions. He was always cheerful, curious and kind. Keeping you all in our thoughts…

  61. Sherry Gibbs / May 14, 2020 at 10:57 pm

    Im so sorry for your loss Linda. Garland was such a wonderful man. I remember my dad (Harold Royer) speak about him many times. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  62. John and Darlene Hosselton / May 15, 2020 at 6:39 am

    Linda, Brian, and Troy: We are sorry for your loss. John remembers Garland in school and our daughters always enjoyed his Social Studies classes. We are blessed to have shared a friendship with you and Garland. He was a fun, kind, and compassionate man. We will always cherish the memories of our travel times and eating at different restaurants. He was a true friend and we will miss him. May you feel God’s loving arms of comfort and peace during this time and in the days ahead.

  63. Gary and Pam Sessions / May 15, 2020 at 10:37 am

    Linda and family: We were so saddened to hear of Garland’s passing. We thought very highly of Garland, and we always enjoyed visiting with you both on many occasions. Please know we will hold you close in thought and prayer in the coming days.

  64. Cindy Colvin Israel / May 15, 2020 at 10:45 am

    My deepest condolences to you and your family, Linda.
    May you find peace and comfort from the love that surrounds you today.

  65. Ann Duke / May 15, 2020 at 4:02 pm

    We have lost a good neighbor. I always knew all was right with the world when I would see Garland walking by going for morning coffee. We will miss him. Thoughts & prayers to you & the boys.

  66. Dean Schell / May 15, 2020 at 5:35 pm

    Linda, Brian, Troy and family. I am sorry to hear of Garlands passing. I believe that I was in the first class, that he taught, at Cisne. He was the first male teacher that I ever had and he certainly didn’t disappoint. I feel very fortunate to have had him as both a teacher and a coach, but every more fortunate to have known him as a friend and to have known him long enough to call him Garland instead of Mr. Keck. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My Almighty God surround you with his endless peace and comfort throughout this difficult time and always.

  67. Linda States / May 15, 2020 at 10:31 pm

    Linda, Brian, Troy, Gary, Karla & Janice, I was deeply saddened on the earthly loss of Garland. I know that he will continue to watch over you all and the boys activities from the best view. We first met when we took Lamaze classes together when Brian and Jason were on they way. We’ve so enjoyed visiting at each others homes, going out to eat together and cruising. I am at peace with God being merciful and Garland no longer having limitations. Remember all the good and funny memories! Rick & Linda States

  68. Pat Burt / May 15, 2020 at 10:35 pm

    Remembering your family in prayer. Garland was a special classmate of the Clay City High School Class of ’67.. . . always had a kind heart for others. Hold to the memories .. . remembering Christians never say goodbye.

  69. Norman and Shirley Fry Workman / May 16, 2020 at 4:53 am

    Linda and family, we are so sorry by the passing of Garland. May you all find comfort in GOD and peace. Garland and l were classmates for all 12 years. He always knew you whenever he saw you. He was a perfect gentleman, very caring, great teacher (according to my grandkids), always wanting to help with whatever he could. He was very proud of his wife, sons and his grandchildren. Our prayers and thoughts with you all.. Classmate Garland, Fly High and you are sure going to be missed by everyone. Keep me a place at the reunion table.

  70. Pam Robbins / May 16, 2020 at 4:36 pm

    Sorry about your loss. He definitely influenced a lot of people and left a great legacy.

    Bill & Pam Robbins

  71. Abby Sandberg / May 19, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    I was so sad to hear of Mr. Keck’s passing. He was a wonderful educator with a passion for helping his students be their very best. He has left a positive impact on so many lives over his many years as a teacher. Sending warm thoughts to his whole family.

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