Estell Eugene Keys, 74, of Willow Hill, Illinois, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side, on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 2:08 a.m. at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana. Estell was born to Lorance Keys and Bertha Ellen (Walters) Keys, and married the love of his life, Cathy Jo (Snodgrass) Keys, on April 24, 1971. They shared over 50 years of marriage before Cathy’s passing on May 22, 2024. Estell faced many years of illness but never let it diminish his spirit. Selflessly, he always put his wife Cathy and his family first, offering them care and support even in his own struggles. A true family man, Estell cherished time spent with his loved ones.
Estell worked for Romack Motors as a diesel mechanic before joining Marathon Petroleum Company, where he served as an operator and eventually became Chief Operator, retiring in 2010 after 29 years of dedicated service. Throughout his younger years, he was known for helping local farmers, whether it was repairing their farm equipment or assisting in the fields. With a servant’s heart, Estell was also known for putting others before himself, constantly seeking ways to lend a helping hand. Whether it was his neighbors, friends, or community, he was always looking for opportunities to make their lives a little easier. His generosity and compassion touched the lives of many, and hispresence was a source of comfort to all who knew him. Estell had a passion for tractor pulls, often traveling great distances to attend them, and he was an avid stock car racing fan during his earlier years.
An outdoorsman at heart, Estell loved hunting and fishing. He also had a deep love for sports, especially NASCAR and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Estell had a strong sense of adventure, and he and Cathy enjoyed traveling, covering most of the United States together. His favorite destination was Yellowstone National Park, which he cherished visiting. He also had a love for music, taking great pride in his jukebox, and alongside Cathy, they raised dogs and ran the Triple K Kountry Kennel for over 20 years. In his earlier years, Estell also ran a successful radiator repair business.
Estell was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oblong, Illinois, and his faith was a guiding force in his life.
He is survived by his daughter Debbie (Ron) Houser of Robinson, Illinois; grandchildren Bruce (Abbigail) Williams and Andrew Houser, both of Robinson, Illinois; and great-grandson Auron Williams, age 3, also of Robinson. Estell is also survived by his brothers James Keys of Willow Hill, Illinois, and Roy Keys of Oblong, Illinois; sisters-in-law Norma Keys of Shoals, Indiana, Opal Keys of Peotone, Illinois, and Bobbi Keys of Oblong, Illinois, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Cathy; his stillborn son Larry Eugene Keys; his granddaughter Paige Nicole Williams; his brothers Paul Keys, Rodger Keys, Chester Keys, and infant brother Charles Keys; and his sister Nina Sutton.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Pulliam Funeral Home in Oblong, Illinois, officiated by David Vaughn. A public visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family requests that attendees dress casually, as Estell would have preferred. Burial will be in the Mound Cemetery in rural Jasper County, Illinois
Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or the Oblong Children’s Christian Home. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.
Estell’s warm heart, love of life, and dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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