Willy Keykens Sidney, Ohio Obituary

Willy Keykens

<p>Willy Frederick Keykens, of Sidney, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. He was 91 years old.</p> <p>Willy was born in Borgerhout, Belgium on May 3, 1929, to the late Frederick and Christina Geluykens Keykens. He was married to Maria VanWelt Keykens in August 1953, and she tragically passed in an auto accident during their immigration journey to the United States in 1959.</p> <p>On February 22, 2006, he married the former Ivolene Hicks, and she survives. Also surviving are son Victor (Sheila) Keykens, daughter Josephine Keykens, and step-daughter Beth (Don) Slaven; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and sister Joanna Butcher. He was preceded in death by brothers Victor, Alfonse, Amiel and Henrie; and sisters Josephine and Lisette.</p> <p>Mr. Keykens was a trusted and well-known, self-employed contractor in the Indian Lake area for over 50 years. He was a member of the Nazarene Church of Indian Lake, and completed several missions trips to the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Haiti, where he loved helping the people in those countries. He was a very talented artist, a prankster, and loved sharing stories about his beloved Belgium and his family. Willy visited his homeland only two times during his residency in the United States, and enjoyed sharing his native language (Flemish) with his family. He absolutely loved castles, and had the joy of owning The Bonnyconnellan Castle in Sidney for a short period of time, with the hopes of restoring it to it&#39;s natural beauty. Unfortunately, it was cost prohibitive.</p> <p>Visitation will be held Friday, September 18, 2020 from 4 - 6 p.m. with a service immediately following, at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home, Sidney. Pastor Stephen Smitley from The Valley Church, will be officiating. Guestbook condolences may be expressed to Willy&#39;s family at the <a href="http://www.cromesfh.com">www.cromesfh.com</a>.</p>
May 3, 1929 - September 15, 202005/03/192909/15/2020
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Tina Sanders
September 18, 2020
His daughter Josephine was a very good friend of mine in high school & I wanted her to know how very sorry I am for her loss😞 Josephine i'm on Facebook as Tina Sanders, get ahold of me when you can
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Stefanie & Tom & Madison Wildermuth
September 17, 2020
With deepest sympathy ❤️
DESIGNER CHOICE MIX/ ROSES

DESIGNER CHOICE MIX/ ROSES was purchased for the family of Willy Keykens. Send flowers

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Kim metcalf
September 16, 2020
We met Willy numerous times during our visit to Ohio and he was always the perfect gentleman  sorry we didn't have more time to spend with you. Rest in Peace Willy and rise in glory. All our love Kim & Chris Metcalf from England.
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Kristi Spangler Wilson Hospice STNA
September 16, 2020
Prayers of comfort and peace to family and friends. I really enjoyed helping Willy these past few years. God bless you all at this difficult time.