R Keith McWilliams

R. Keith McWilliams, 89, of Sioux City, passed away suddenly from injuries sustained in an accident. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 9, 2007, from 4-8 p.m. with the family present from 6-8 p.m. A vigil service will then begin at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel (6200 Morningside Ave.). A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 10, 2007 at Immaculate Conception Church with Reverend Daniel Guenther celebrating. Private family graveside will be at Graceland Park Cemetery.

Keith was born April 23, 1918 in Sioux City to Calvin O. and Helen K. (Olmstead) McWilliams. He grew up and attended Sioux City schools, graduating from Central High School. After high school, Keith worked for a magazine company before getting on with the U.S. Post Office.

Keith married Evelyn Gibble on April 19, 1941 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sioux City.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 22, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa. Keith served in the European, Africa and Middle Eastern Theaters. He was honorably discharged from the Army Air Corp on January 31, 1946, at Fort Sheridan, IL. After his discharge he returned home to Sioux City, where he resumed his job at the Post Office. Keith retired from the Post office as the Superintendent from the Leeds Station after 31 years, in 1973. He later worked part time for Taylor Martin Trucking in South Sioux City.

Keith was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, the American Legion DAV, NARFE and AARP.

Keith and Evelyn enjoyed square dancing; he was an avid camper and loved to travel. He also loved to tell stories, and the Christmas holiday.

Keith is survived by his wife of 66 years, Evelyn of Sioux City; 5 children, June DeVries and husband (Louis Sr.) of Sgt. Bluff, IA; Charles McWilliams and wife (Joan) of Dakota City, NE; David McWilliams and wife (Gail) of Sioux City, IA; Debra Dore and husband (Phil) of Seattle, WA; and Carrie McWilliams of Sioux City, IA. 11 grandchildren, Elena Osland, Louis DeVries Jr., Rebecca McWilliams, Brad McWilliams, Zach McWilliams, Jamie McWilliams, Matthew McWilliams, Wendi Tsiobanos, Jesse Mead, Aaron Guillaume, Brittney Guillaume. 16 great grandchildren.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, 2 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.