of Harrison, AR
December 21, 1927 - April 30, 2017
John Basil James Keymer, age 89, of Harrison, passed away at Mount Vista Nursing and Rehab on Sunday April 30, 2017. He was born on December 21, 1927, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, the son of John and Margaret (Parks) Keymer. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of their eight children, Gwendoline (Bell) Keymer; his brothers, Graham T. Keymer and Douglas "Bill" Keymer.
John is survived by his wife of 17 years, Juanita (Dewbre) Keymer, of the home; his five sons and three daughters, Bill and Kerry Keymer of Harrison, Gerry and Tom Parra of Georgetown, California, Darlene and Steve Jameson of Garden Valley, California, Gary and Joyce Keymer of Harrison, Arkansas, Graham and Beverly Keymer of Pyatt, Arkansas, Bo and Karen Keymer of Harrison, Susie and Mark Morton of Hesperia, California and Ronnie and Cheryl Keymer of Western Grove, Arkansas; two step-sons and two step-daughters, Diane and Robert Copley of Creston, Ohio, Bob and Donna Caughron of Harrison, Johnny and Jackie Dewbre of Olney, Texas and Christy and Richard Fox of Texas; 39 grandchildren; 81 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
John's life began in Canada where as a young man he enjoyed playing hockey as a goalie and loved bird and duck hunting. He supported his young family by delivering milk using a horse drawn wagon and had shared many stories of this over the years. After moving to southern California, he enjoyed deep sea fishing and coaching little league baseball.
After working 18 years at Southern California Edison as a serviceman, John moved with his family to Harrison Arkansas in 1978 where he built their log home and went to work at Claridge Products where he took pride serving as union steward and working there until he retired.
John was a supportive father and grandfather who loved and was loved by his large family. He enjoyed spending time with them and being involved in their many activities. He enjoyed watching sports on television with his wife Juanita, while little guy snuggled in his lap. John loved the Lord and attended Eagle Heights Baptist Church.
Funeral service was Friday, May 5, 2017, at Roller Christeson Funeral Home with, Brother Dennis Sisco officiating.
Interment was at Western Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Bill Keymer, Gary Keymer, Graham Keymer, Bo Keymer, Ronnie Keymer, Johnny Dewbre, Bob Caughron, Tom Parra, Robert Copley and Steve Jameson.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mount Vista Rehab and Health, 202 Tims, Harrison, AR 72601 or Hillcrest Home, 1111 Maplewood Road, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.
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12 Condolence(s)
Brenda and Bob Burrows
Friday, May 5, 2017
Juanita and our Keymer Cousins
We will all miss Uncle Bas....but we know he is now free of pain, resting easy, and full of love. Hugs to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Burrows Family
Linda,Todd,Brandon Malone
Friday, May 5, 2017
We are truly sorry for your loss! Are thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you.
Love & Hugs,
Todd,Brandon, Linda
Renee Reed
Thursday, May 4, 2017
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and condolences are with you.
Bill & Pam Baker
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
To the Keymer Family we have come to know. We are sorry for your loss, and wish you comfort and peace at this time. With the loving support from your family and the many friends that you have, we hope this shall lessen the sadness you must feel.
Bill and Pam Baker
Kara Staton
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
I am very sorry for your loss. May God provide you with extra blessings during this sad time.
Jacquie Johnson
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. May he R.I.P
Prayers for all.
Doug and Kim Jones
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
We are so very sorry for your loss praying for comfort for each one of you.
Pat Hoffman
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Dear Juanita and all the Keymer cousins,
On behalf of my parents - Russ and Gerry Hoffman ( Auntie Gwenie's twin sister - from Saskatoon SK) and myself - I express our deepest sympathy on Uncle Bas's passing. A great brother- in- law to my parents - and a great uncle to me! Even though we live many miles apart - we always felt connected to the Keymer clan through the telephone calls, Christmas cards - and the visits.... Know that we are hugging all of you at this difficult time!
Love you! Uncle Russ, Aunt Gerry and Patsy
Jean & Dan Grossenbacher
Monday, May 1, 2017
No words can expressed will be enough, but may you gather together and find peace that God grants to all.
Theresa Watkins
Monday, May 1, 2017
I will miss my buddy so sorry for your loss I am glad I got to know John even for a little while
Theresa Watkins CNA
Mr. Vista
Chris Darnell
Monday, May 1, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear about John's passing. It was a pleasure to have met such a wonderful person.
Matt & Rachel Sprenger
Monday, May 1, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss.