Willy Keykens

Willy Frederick Keykens, of Sidney, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. He was 91 years old.

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.

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.

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's natural beauty. Unfortunately, it was cost prohibitive.

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's family at the www.cromesfh.com.

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