By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
9 Comments
  • Visitation

    December 27, 2019
    10:00 to 12:00 p.m.
    Hosselton Meridith Funeral Home

  • Service

    December 27, 2019
    12:00 p.m.
    Hosselton Meridith Funeral Home

  • Full Obituary

    Willis Keyser a long-time resident of the Mt. Erie area, joined his Heavenly Father on December 18, 2019. In celebration of his life, a memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. December 27th at Hosselton-Meredith Funeral Home in Cisne. Visitation will be 2 hours before the service at the funeral home with burial in the Brown cemetery, with military rites following committal service provided by Anthony Wayne Post 179 American Legion and VFW Wayne Memorial Post 4535.

    Willis was born June 18, 1918, on the farm in the Mt. Erie area, the first son of Sam and Nell (Fitch) Keyser. Of humble beginnings, Willis valued family and hard work to achieve his dreams. He insisted on integrity and fairness to all. He served his country proudly in the United States Army as an officer during World War II for 43 months and the Korean War for 17 months. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois in agriculture, taught Vocational Agriculture for 4 years then after serving his country, moved back to the Mt. Erie area, begun farming and was the county supervisor for Farmers Home Administration from 1952 until his retirement in September 1977.

    On June 24, 1943, Willis married Vera Cunningham. Together, for more than 73 years, they experienced the changing scenes of life in the joyous and fruitful companionship, which the Lord had entrusted to them.
    He leaves behind a daughter, Cheryl Grigg of Moweaqua, Illinois, granddaughters, Alison Williams (Jeremy) of Wenatchee, Washington, April (John) Fricks of Montgomery, Alabama, and 5 great granddaughters, Mackenzie, Malea ,and Lili Williams, Morgan and Makenna Dozier, Kaylee Fricks, Brother Walter (Bernadine) Keyser of Geff, and foster brother Dean Lambrich (Dorothy) and many nieces and nephews.
    Willis was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved his daughter and would be so excited when Cheryl would come to visit or when he knew he would be able to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He especially enjoyed horseback riding with his “girls.” He delighted in the successes and activities of his daughter, granddaughters and great granddaughters and enjoyed talking about them to everyone he met. He lived with Cheryl the last 3 years and 4 months in Moweaqua and enjoyed their special time together.
    Those who knew Willis knew that he was not afraid of death and strongly believed in Heaven. He devoted his time to Pleasant Hill Baptist church as a deacon, and servant of his Lord. He was reunited in Heaven with Vera, his parents, a brother, and two sisters. Willis and Vera lived very modestly but felt wealthy because they were surrounded by the love of family and friends. Willis will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
    As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to “AG in the classroom” or Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in his name.

    Hosselton Meridith Funeral Home in Cisne is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.
    Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

9 Condolences
 
  1. Cheryl Oller / December 21, 2019 at 7:35 am

    So sorry for your loss

  2. Shelly / December 21, 2019 at 10:55 am

    I’m so thankful that I was blessed to be a part of Willis & Vera’s life! They were always so inviting and full of love. I was very young but the memories that my siblings and I have share not only will last a lifetime but range from times of horse back riding, herding cows, long horse rides exploring and experiencing what “real“ farm living was really like to discovering to our surprise that he was color blind. What to say when he came over in his BRIGHT green new car that he thought was red! He was so proud of that thing! Anyway…that’s how I remember it going. I could have on only been 8 or younger. He always told us about “his girls”. I sometimes found myself pretending I was one of them! He made you feel seen. Even if you were a ”half pint”

    Even as an adult he impacted my life! I loved his dedication to his beautiful bride! As well as maintaining his health and wellness. Seriously what a roll model!! I was always looking for him and a few others ”specials“ on Veterans Day!

    What a life he lived! And to go HOME for Christmas! Although it seems sad that people have to go away our lives our sweeter for beautiful people like Willis and Vera!!

    May the Lord bless his heritage with love and wellness for years to come!! My heart is heavy for those left to grieve a loss that never goes away. For some this is more than others! But in my heart he will always be one of my heroes! My thoughts and prayers for those who lives were fortunate enough to know him!!!

  3. Jan Kriisa / December 21, 2019 at 11:13 am

    What a wonderful tribute to your father, grandfather and great-grandfather! I am holding you all up in prayer during this time of loss, but also rejoicing in his final home-coming! He is home for Christmas! Celebrate his life!

  4. Sue Hetz / December 21, 2019 at 11:30 am

    Cheryl and family
    Sending you hugs. Nothing is more precious than caring for our parents. I loved how your Dad “dealt” with “all the girls” at the luncheons I was so blessed to attend with all of you.
    Sue Hetz

  5. Carole Clark / December 21, 2019 at 12:48 pm

    Cheryl, you had such wonderful parents! And they loved you so much! What a blessing to be with him every day at the end of his life! I’m glad everybody will be home for Christmas and will get to wish him off. Praying for all of you and good weather! Write or call sometime. I’ve had a really bad year but getting better so I may get to Illinois next summer! Wish I could be there.

  6. Jean Buttz / December 21, 2019 at 9:27 pm

    Cheryl, It has been such fun to get to know your dad over the past few years. He was such a good sport with all of the TJ gals. It was an honor to celebrate his one hundredth birthday with him. We will miss him, but now he and your mom are happy, healthy, and together again. R.I.P. Willis.

  7. Margaret A Dunn / December 24, 2019 at 10:44 am

    I am so sorry for the loss of a great man. He did so much for so many in the rural areas, and especially as a USDA employee for so many years. Although I never really worked with him, I came to know him through his legacy at Farmers Home Administration, by beginning my career at the Wayne County office a couple years after he had retired. Through others (especially Sandra Murphy Vandeveer), I felt I knew him and was so privileged to be able to write a story about him in the local Outlook when he was in his late 90’s. It was so interesting to get to hear many of the stories about his life through preparing for that article. He was truly from the greatest generation of hard work, earning everything the hard way, and reaping blessings through it all. I will always cherish the memory of Willis. He was a genuine human being of character. Thank you for letting me share a little piece of my memory of him. Prayers of comfort for all those who will miss him dearly.

  8. Orlena Tindall / December 24, 2019 at 7:02 pm

    Cheryl. Vera, Walter, Dean and families, so sorry for your loss. Willis was a very fine man, example of what we are to be as representatives of our Savior, Jesus Christ in the world we live in. As I was growing up in the ’50’s the Keyser family was always an encouraging family to my dad and mother. Minor Butler, my dad, was the pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist church, and always loved working with Willis and other family members. I’m sure there is much rejoicing in Heaven today. (Minor passed away in 1986.) God grant peace and comfort in the coming days to all of you. Much love, Orlena Butler Tindall. 114 N Chaney Dr. Belle Rive, Il 60810

  9. Tom and Judy / December 28, 2019 at 12:43 pm

    Cheryl and family,
    Willis was a apart of The Farmers home administration for years and that is where we meant and became friends. Tom had the highest respect for his knowledge of the job and enjoyed his friendship throughout the years. He loved to talk hunting and actually took my dad and cousin hunting when we first lived in Flora.
    Willis will be missed by so many.
    Love and prayers for all.
    Tom and Judy Beyers
    Odin IL

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