William Keith John

Malad….William Keith John ,90, longtime Malad resident, passed away on January 12, 2010. He was born at Pleasantview, Idaho on November 27, 1919 a son of William E. and Sarah Mae Williams John. He was the third child of seven. He had four sisters; Merle, Fern, Betty and Lawana and two brothers; Steve and Neal. Keith grew up and was educated in Pleasantview and Malad, and had been active in the sport of Boxing while in high school, graduating in 1936. As a young man he had worked on the family farm as well as for neighboring farmers. In 1938 Keith enlisted in the Army and was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington. At the beginning of WWII, he was a Master Sergeant Major in the 3rd Infantry Division and served in Africa, Corsica, Sicily and Italy. While in Italy he was promoted to Warrant Officer and served as a personnel officer for the Adjudant General’s office. He was later sent to France and was advanced to a Chief Warrant officer. He served 36 months continuous months in the European Theatre. He was discharged in 1946, and returned to the family farm. Following the war, Keith served as commander of the American Legion Post #65 in Malad, and had helped with many of the ceremonies of the fallen soldiers which were sent home for burial. He also served as Service Officer for a number of years. He met Eileen Williams during the Christmas holiday’s in 1946 and they were married June 18, 1948 in Idaho Falls. To this union was born three children; Beverly, Randall and Lamonte. Along with farming, Keith worked at Crowther’s Mill for 26 years, and was head miller for 9 years. When his father retired he took over the family farm, which he owned and operated until 2000 when ill heath forced him to retire. Keith was an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had held various teaching positions. He loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. His favorite sport was baseball. Keith is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eileen of Malad; his three children; Beverly Kunzler of Salt Lake City, Utah; Randall John of Malad; Lamonte (Bonnie) John of Burke, Virginia. 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. 5 great great Grandchildren; a sister; Lawana John of San Jose, CA. and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Steve and Neal; sisters; Merle, Fern and Betty. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 12 noon in the Malad LDS 3rd Ward Chapel, 200 W. 300 N. Friends may visit with the John family at the Horsley Funeral Home 132 W. 300 N., Malad this evening (Jan. 15) from 6-8 pm and on Saturday at the funeral home from 10:30-11:30 am. Burial will follow in the Malad City Cemetery, with military rites accorded by the American Legion Post #65. You may send condolences to the John family by visiting www.horsleyfuneralhome.com