Keith Donovan Young

  Keith Donovan Young, 89, of rural Callaway, Nebraska, departed this world at his home with family at his side on Saturday, December 30, 2017.   He was born September 30, 1928, to Harold & Reita Young at their home near Gates, Nebraska.  He joined older brother Robert and LeRoy.   When Keith was four years old, his father died of pneumonia.  The family then moved to Callaway to be near Reita’s sister, Opal Cool.  Keith entered kindergarten, and spent all of his school years in the Callaway school system until his graduation in 1947.  He was an excellent athlete, starting as a freshman of the first teams in both football and basketball.  He never lost his love for sports, enjoying playing golf in his later years, especially with his family and friends.   On June 21, 1947, Keith married Jacqueline “Jackie” Wilcher.  Three children were blessed to this union: Karyn, Terry and David.  He made it possible for all three children to get a college education and he was always proud of their accomplishments.  In 2017, Keith and Jackie celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.   Throughout his life, Keith loved the Lord.  When he was 12 years old he was baptized and joined the United Methodist Church and was a faithful member his entire life.  He seldom missed worship service or Sunday school, until his health prevented him from attending.  During his years in the church, he served on many committees and preached occasionally.   Keith was a dedicated farmer, having learned from his step-father.  He loved the land and cattle, always looking for ways to improve everything under his care.  He spent his entire life on the same farm 4 ½ miles north of Callaway, first farming with his step-father, John Beshaler and later with his son Terry.  One of the great joys of his life was having his grandsons work alongside him on the farm during the summers of their high school years.  Keith was a carpenter, a mechanic, a doctor to his livestock, and an all-around “fix it” guy.  He was always willing to help his neighbors.   Keith served his community through the Callaway School Board, Triumph Election Board and the Callaway Golf Board.  He was also a county co-coordinator for Bluebirds across Nebraska.   Above all, Keith was a righteous man with unwavering honesty, integrity, and character.  He was very witty, a trait enjoyed by his family and friends.   Keith was preceded in death by his parents, step-father John Beshaler, and brother LeRoy.   He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Jackie of Callaway, Nebraska; children, Karyn (Scott) Kennedy of Lincoln, Nebraska, Terry Young of Callaway, Nebraska & David (Karol) Young of Thedford, Nebraska; five grandsons, David Reiber, Douglas Keith Reiber, Jeremy Young, John (Jenny) Young, Joel (Pamela) Young; seven great-grandchildren, Rachel Ellis, Madysen, Ambriella, Asher, Emmett, Otis Keith, and Anna Young; brother, Robert Young; sister-in-law, Pat Young; Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharon & Chuck Savidge; sister-in-law, Ardis Wilcher; numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.   Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Callaway with Pastor Shanon Williams officiating.   Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Callaway.   Visitation will be held Friday, January 5, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Callaway.   Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church, Children of Africa United Methodist Mission, Callaway District Hospital, Callaway Ambulance Service, or Good Life Center.   Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.