Keith Barkdoll

THEODOSIA, Mo. – The celebration of the life of Keith R. “Jake” Barkdoll, 83, of Theodosia, Mo., formerly of Rock Falls, began Sunday, April 19, 2009, when he answered the call to join his Lord and master in heaven.

Keith was born May 28, 1925, in Rock Falls, the son of Ralph and Beulah 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 Bachelor of Arts degree from Bradley University in 1950, and his Master of Arts degree from Western Illinois University in 1960.

Keith married Ethel Whaley on March 2, 1944. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this spring. While proudly serving his country in the Army, stationed in Italy, he and Ethel saw the birth of the first of their four children. Keith served in the Army, 88th Infantry Division, “Blue Devils” from 1944 to 1946, when he was honorably discharged as a tech sergeant first class.
Upon his return from military service, Keith attended Bradley University and received his bachelor’s 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, followed by 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 of Idaho before retiring.

In 1989, their travels and friendships brought them to Theodosia, Mo., where Keith and Ethel made their home in their “little piece of heaven on earth” as they fondly called it. That “little piece of heaven” is where Keith lived, laughed, and loved until his master called him home.

Keith was a teacher, craftsman, and a friend to all who knew him. He always had time to help those in need and gave unselfishly of his time, talents, and treasures to his church and church family.