Lawrence Keach

Lawrence Richard Keach, 75, passed away at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home on October 5, 2025.

He was born on December 2, 1949, to Laurence and Ruth (Endriss) Keach in Charleston, SC. He married Debra Mettam on June 26, 1971, in Peoria. She survives. He is also survived by his sister, Doris (Terry) Humes of Mossville, Illinois; children, Lawrence (Tricia Cassidy) Keach of Bloomington, Illinois, Melinda (Randy) Dray of East Peoria, Illinois, Melissa (Jason) Eaton of Anderson, South Carolina, and Cynthia (Shawn) Whetsell of Peoria, Illinois. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, Lane Keach, Evan Dray, Sam Dray, Owen Dray, Maya Eaton, Lianna Eaton, Jaxson Eaton, Kendessa Eaton, Elaina Whetsell, Vincent Whetsell, Cameron Whetsell, and Avery Whetsell. Larry was preceded in death by his parents.

Larry graduated from Bradley University in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Design and in 1973 with a master's in Industrial Management. He worked at Wabco (Komatsu) in engineering and marketing. He also worked at Hyster (Bomag) as a territory sales manager covering the Midwest. He loved traveling to different cities, seeing the differences in culture, and how people made their living. He also knew all the best restaurants in the Midwest. During much of his career, he owned a lawn care business.

Larry's greatest love was his wife of 54 years and his family. Together, they built a life full of love, family, and traditions. He prepared all year for his annual Christmas party, carefully choosing recipes and making sure everyone was well fed—a true expression of his love. In the summer, his pool became the center of family life, filled with laughter and good food. He was a proud Bradley fan, a dedicated train enthusiast who spent countless hours building and running model trains, and he enjoyed taking his kids and grandkids to the games. Larry also found joy in his garden, always growing the biggest and best he could.

Even with his various health issues, he always said he felt blessed. While we will miss his love and guidance, we know he is in a better place with our Lord.

Cremation rites have been entrusted to Affordable Cremations, Washington, Illinois. A private burial and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in Larry's honor may be made to the UW Kids Cancer Research Fund secure.supportuw.org , where his oldest grandson, Evan Dray, is an MD/PhD student contributing to pediatric cancer research.