John Raymond McKeighan, 91, died on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Community Memorial Hospital in Missouri Valley. He was born on Oct. 11, 1932, in Tennant, to George and Elsa (Davis) McKeighan. John grew up in the Portsmouth area and attended school in Portsmouth. On May 6, 1953, John married Lotus Patten at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Portsmouth. To this union three children were born, Pat, Cindy and Kathy. The couple lived in Portsmouth. John served in the US Army during the Korean War. John worked at the Portsmouth Elevator, Wayne’s Feed in Persia and then managed the Persia Mill. The family moved to Persia in 1961. Lotus died in 1975 and John married Charlene Christensen at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. The couple lived in Persia and in 1981, opened the Crossroads Feed Service in Beebeetown. In 1984, they added the BB-Mart. In 1988, the couple moved to Beebeetown. They sold the business in 1997, but John kept his small engine repair business until fully retiring in 2018.
Throughout his life, John was known for his unwavering love for fixing things, especially if it had a motor. John's willingness to help others knew no bounds. He would drop everything to assist a friend or stranger in need, embodying the true spirit of generosity. His infectious enthusiasm and positive attitude never failed to bring smiles to the faces of those around him. In addition to his remarkable mechanical skills, John was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his family who will always cherish the memories they shared together. John's legacy of hard work, selflessness, and love will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
John was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lotus; brother, Donald Thordesen; three sisters, Delores Gilliland, Roberta Tarkington and Georgene Wilson. John is survived by his wife, Charlene of Beebeetown; son, John Patrick “Pat” McKeighan of Council Bluffs; two daughters, Cindy McKeighan of Missouri Valley and Kathy McKeighan-Lytle of Harlan; 10 grandchildren, Jacki McKeighan, Jade McKeighan, Julie Brazeal, Dana McIntosh, Justin McIntosh, Sarah Greene, Nathan Mumm, Ashley Lytle, Chantel Lytle and Brooke Lytle; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild on the way; brother, George McKeighan, Jr. of Lincoln, Neb.; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine. Elder Connie McWilliams presided over the service. The recorded musical selections were “Country Bumkin” by Cal Smith, “Daddy Dumplin” by Donna Fargo, “A Love Without End, Amen” by George Straight and “Grandpa” by The Judds. The honorary pallbearers were Jacki McKeighan, Jade McKeighan, Julie Brazeal, Dana McIntosh, Justin McIntosh, Sarah Greene, Nathan Mumm, Ashley Lytle, Chantel Lytle and Brooke Lytle. Military honors were given by Persia American Legion Post #314. John’s final resting place is at the Valley View Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
