Keith Edmund Eakins Sr., 94, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024 at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church with burial at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church.
Keith was born September 11, 1929 in Des Moines to Wayne and Doris (Dearinger) Eakins. He graduated from Des Moines Tech High School in 1949. Keith enlisted in the Air National Guard and was then called into active duty with the Air Force during the Korean War. He worked as a welder for the Local 33 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union for most of his life. Keith was involved with many organizations which included: Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Ham Radio operator, Urbandale American Legion, Boy Scout Leader, Mustang Club, volunteered at Catholic Charities teaching art to children, and the Women’s Shelter. Keith kept busy tinkering and doing anything art related.
Keith is survived by his wife of 73 years, Edna; five children, Cheryl Murphy, Keith Jr. (Cheryl Sander), Debra (Bryan) Spangler, Rebecca Russell, and Linda (Anthony) Russell; 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Carrie Russell; sons-in-law, Dan Murphy and Wayne Russell; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Eakins; brother, Wayne Eakins Jr.; and sister, Carol Johnston.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Salvation Army or Windsor Heights Lutheran Church.
