Keith Lindsey

Keith E. Lindsey, 96, of Canton passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Graham Hospital in Canton with his family and friends by his side.

He was the born the second son of Ralph Lindsey and Iola Louise (Fulton) Lindsey Blair.

He graduated from Lewistown Community High School in 1948 and served in the Illinois National Guard.

He married Joyce Scott on June 22, 1952 in Havana. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2018.

Keith worked nearly all of his 96 years. He always said he got his social security card at the age of 7. He worked at a local bowling alley setting pins and for a tailor and dry cleaner early on. He mended his own clothing his whole life until threading the needle became too difficult. In High School he was voted “best dressed male”. Many varied jobs followed. After marrying Joyce, he worked at the Cottonwood Service Station near their home in Lewistown. Next, he was employed by CB & Q railway where he said he had to wear a “big gun” when it was time for the train to deliver the mail. He then learned welding at Letourneau Westinghouse in Peoria. He was employed for many years by Kroger Company working in the produce Department. He told stories about the strange insects he found in the crates of bananas that were delivered including a tarantula. He was also Produce Manager for Willards Fooditorium in Lewistown. Other employment over the years included United Electric Coal Company, Management of Willards True Value Hardware upon opening in Lewistown, Freeman United Coal Company and Interstate Bakery (Butternut) from where he retired. But he truly didn’t retire. He mowed lawns for people in Canton as he loved being outside. He also worked as a vendor for Little Debie Snacks and even after that he rode with vendor Rick Sprecher once weekly enjoying his companionship and socialization. Keith enjoyed fishing and golf. In his later years he was well known for making tasty treats which he shared with neighbors and friends. He was a member of the Lewistown Masonic Lodge where he served as Worshipful Master in 1971. He was also a member of the United Mine Workers and Teamsters Unions.

Surviving is his daughter, Debra (Joe) Maxwell of Mapleton, Grandsons, Jeff (Fiancée Carmen Reyna) Maxwell, Scott (Anne) Maxwell, great grandchildren, Abby (Rich) Pare, Jacob Wilkins, Brock Maxwell, Blake Maxwell, Bodey Maxwell, great greatgrandchildren, Kassidy Pare, Kennedy Pare and Keaton Pare. Also surviving is his brother, Kenneth Lindsey, a half- sister, Sandra Bailey and half-brothers, Jim (Susie) Lindsey and Ron (Dee) Lindsey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step father, Arthur (Pete) Blair and half-brother, Raymond Lindsey.

Keith and Joyce vacationed in many U.S. States from Maine to the California coast. He was a lifetime fan of Mickey Mouse and shook his hand during a Disney World visit in 1989. He cherished his wonderful family which grew from just one daughter and was so proud of their accomplishments. He also loved his close neighbors very much and they loved and will miss him.

He was a member of the Illinois Street Christian Church in Lewistown.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 11 am at the Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton with a visitation held from 10-11 am at the funeral home. A private Masonic Service will be held prior to the visitation. Burial of his ashes will follow the funeral at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown.

Memorials may be made to the Christian Community Center in Lewistown or the Lewistown Masonic Lodge.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com