KEITH R. "JAKE" BARKDOLL

Keith R. "Jake" Barkdoll, 83, Theodosia, MO, formerly of Rock Falls, IL passed away April 19, 2009 at his residence. The celebration of his life began Sunday when he answered the call to join his Lord and Master in Heaven.

Keith was born on May 28, 1925 son of Ralph and Beulah (Higley) Barkdoll. He was the second of four children, Joyce, Keith, Donna, and Janet. Keith graduated from Rock Falls High School in 1943; he received his BA from Bradley University in 1950 and his MA from Western Illinois University in 1960.

Keith married Ethel Whaley on March 2, 1944 and this spring celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. While proudly serving his country in the US Army, stationed in Italy, he and Ethel saw the birth of the first of their four children. Keith served in the US Army 88th Infantry Division, "Blue Devils" from 1944-1946, when he was honorably discharged as Tech Sergeant First Class.

Upon his return from military service, Keith attended Bradley University, where upon receiving his Bachelors Degree in 1950, he began his 30 year career as a public school teacher and school administrator retiring as Hanover Public Schools Superintendent in 1980. Keith's 30 year career started in Rock Falls then Port Byron-Riverdale Schools, Tampico Community Schools and his last stop at Hanover. Upon his retirement Keith and Ethel filled their time by traveling and beginning their second career as campground hosts and Field Service Technicians for the U.S. National Forest Service, a career that lasted another 18 years. Keith and Ethel spent 13 summers in the mountains of Wyoming and another 5 years in the craggy terrain in Idaho before retiring.

In 1990 their travels and friendships brought them to Theodosia, Missouri where Keith and Ethel made their home "in their little piece of heaven on earth" as they fondly called it, and that little piece of heaven is where Keith lived, laughed, and loved until his Master called him home.

Keith was a teacher, craftsman, and friend to all who knew him. He always had time to help those in need and give unselfishly of his time and talents and treasures to his church and church family. As a teacher there are thousands of young adults upon whom he left life long impressions. As a craftsman he has left his stained glass artwork for all to enjoy. As a friend he has left the memories of his warm smile, kind words, and quick wit.

As good a teacher, craftsman, and friend he was an even better husband, father, and grandfather. Though Keith has touched thousands of lives his true legacy is seen through the results and success of his family.

His wife Ethel Barkdoll; his sister Donna Brooks of Morrison, IL; his children Nancy Rasmussen and her husband Stan of Rock Falls, IL; Peggy Koppen of Fort Worth, TX; Lon Barkdoll and his wife Linda of Morton, IL; Kirk Barkdoll and his wife Jan of LeClaire, IA; eleven grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren will miss him deeply but will walk through their lives with him by their side every day, with his memories and life lessons that he taught.

Keith was preceded in death by his mother Beulah, his father Ralph, stepmother Lucy, and two sisters Joyce and Janet.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at the Theodosia United Methodist Church with Pam Ekey and Van Williams officiating. Interment will follow in the Lutie Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Community Hospice 1406 Kentucky Ave Suite 100, West Plains, MO 65775 or to the Theodosia United Methodist Church.