He was born April 27, 1934 in Saunemin, IL to Theodore and Nellie (Christolph) Bartley. He married Patsy Gray on December 23, 1956 in Peoria. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Terry Mae Bartley, two brothers Richard and Donald Bartley and a great-grandson, Austin.
Surviving is his wife, Patsy Bartley of Groveland; their three children, Keith Bartley Jr of Eureka, Kerry (Lori) Bartly of East Peoria and Karen Elam of Peoria; four grandchildren, Erica (Mike) Ulrich, Ashley (Arek) Morgan, Kristopher (Jen) Bartley and Benjamin (Corie) Bartley; six great-grandchildren, Cody, Laney, Trent, Michale, Kaleb and Benson; and one brother, James (Grayce) Bartley of East Peoria.
Keith served in the U.S. Army and worked as a pipefitter for C.I.L.C.O. for 41 years, retiring in 1992. Keith and his wife retired to Branson, MO, returning to Groveland after 15 years. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, the Bears and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was an avid fisherman and loved hunting, classic westerns, bus trips, gambling and spending time with his family and friends.
A visitation will be on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 from 5 to 7 pm at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. A funeral will be on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Historic Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Mid-West Affiliate. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.remmertfuneralhome.com.