Marion Pearl Keim

April 19, 1937 - June 4, 2017

Marion Pearl Keim, 80, of Elsberry, MO passed away at his residence, surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 4, 2017. He was born on April 19, 1937 in Hannibal, Missouri and was the son of the late Edward and Elizabeth Josephine Keim. Growing up Marion farmed, raising livestock, harvesting crops and milking cows. Marion met the love of his life Verna Randsell at a high school basketball game in Hannibal, Missouri and it was all history from there. Marion and Verna were united in marriage on July 14, 1956 in Hannibal and to this union four children were born; Marion "Doc", Tammy, Beth and Judy. He enjoyed coaching many khoury and Jack and Jill teams. He liked spending time with family and friends, hunting, turkey, deer and dove. Marion started as a lineman in 1956 for Hannibal Power and Light in Hannibal, Missouri. He moved the family to Elsberry, MO and continued his lifelong passion with Missouri Edison on April 27, 1964. While employed with Missouri Edison which later became Union Electric he worked as a General Utility Man, Journey Pipefitter, Service Lineman and Equipment Operator. After the transition with Ameren UE he served as a Journey Lineman, Service Lineman and Chief Lineman until his retirement on October 1, 1999. Following his retirement he was able to love life with his family! Marion and Verna traveled many miles to cheer on their grandchildren with the many activities they participated in. He enjoyed the time he spent in his boat on the river, supervising everyone’s fishing and pheasant hunting in South Dakota. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Verna Keim of Elsberry, MO; one son and three daughters: Marion "Doc" Keim (Sharon) of Troy, Tammy Sharpe (Steven) of Elsberry, Beth Blackmon (Steve Edwards) of Elsberry and Judy Markwardt (Gene) of Elsberry; three siblings: Vivian Hayes (Delbert) of Hannibal, Ralph Keim (DeLois) of Palmyra and Jim Keim (Debbie) of Louisiana; ten grandchildren: Jared Lange (Stacy), Josh Lange (Rhea), Jody Keim (Kendra), Cassie Henebry (Robert), Adrienne Markwardt, Bryan Keim (Samantha), Arla Jo Kaimann (Michael), Tabitha Markwardt (Nathan Wilson), Jamie Keim-Thurman (Chris) and Justin Keim (Megan); thirteen great grandchildren: Tyler Keim, Emma Lange, Paige Keim, Jacob Lange, Layne Henebry, Ava Keim, Jaxon Henebry, Mason Henebry, Brody Keim, Lucy Thurman, Connor Keim, Elizabeth Kaimann, Ellie Keim, Ashley Zenk and David Fry; three great-great-granddaughters: Hailey, Matty and Marlee; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Cleo Ransdell of Louisianna and Myrtle Riggs (Ron) of Hannibal; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, his father, two siblings, Edward “Bud” Keim and Delores Thoele and one brother-in-law Russell D. Ransdell and one great-great grandchild, Peanut Kaimann. Family and friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 714 W Lincoln St, Elsberry, MO 63343. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsberry, MO. Officiating the mass will be Father Charles P. Tichacek. Interment will be held at the Elsberry City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude's Children’s Hospital or Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, in care of KEMPER-MILLARD-KEIM Family Funeral Chapel P.O. Box 222 Troy, MO 63379.