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Keegan Beal Obituary
PEORIA - Our beautiful boy, Keegan Beal, was granted his angel wings on Thursday, April 6, 2017.
Born November 14, 2005, at only 11 years old, Keegan managed to touch the lives of countless people. He was a smart, compassionate, funny, brave and creative child with an old soul. Even people who didn't know him as a person were left with a smile when he held the door open for them as he tipped his signature fedora.
Keegan loved playing video games and reading, and had dreams of becoming both a famous Youtuber and an author. He loved super heroes and was working on his own comic book and super hero character, Night Strike. He emulated super heroes in his daily life as he tried to defend his fellow classmates who were victims of bullying. He even started an anti-bullying club at school.
His many talents included being an animal whisperer and the self-proclaimed "Greatest Sandwich Maker in the World." To say he had personality is an understatement! He performed enthusiastically in school plays as both a cow and a dog, and managed to steal the show with no lines at all!
Keegan was a world traveler, always ready for whatever adventure his family wanted to go on, but his time in Rome was his favorite. He hoped to move there one day after graduating from Bradley University like his mom.
Keegan could not have been more loved by his family. They include his mom, Kelly Beal; Grandma, Kathy Rampy; Pa, Melvin Stechman; Aunt Kiki, Kristi Sanders; Aunt Stephanie, Stephanie Sanders; Uncle Jeff, Jeff Beal; Aunt Scoby, Chris Scoby Beal; Uncle Mikey, Mike Stechman; Aunt Nita, Nita Spratt; Uncle Andy, Shane Stechman; and cousins, Madison Sanders, Trevor Sanders, Jeffrey Beal, Bridget Meier, Christopher Stuckey, Kelsi Barney, Cheyanne Beal, Sophia Stechman and Bella Jones; and many more in his loving extended family and incredible circle of friends.
Keegan asked that we not be sad because he is going to be waiting for us in heaven with his "princesses" Zoe and Mitzi and trusts us to take care of the rest of his pet family which includes his cat, Jackson, and two dogs, Daisy and Charlie.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at Wright & Salmon Mortuary in Peoria. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2017, also at Wright & Salmon. Msgr. Brian Brownsey will officiate. There will also be a celebration of life at the Holiday Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie, following the funeral. A funeral Mass in Keegan's name will be held at 9 a.m. April 21, 2017, at St. Mark's Catholic Church.
Memorials may be made to Kelly Beal in benefit of Keegan Beal, c/o CEFCU. Please honor Keegan and his family by joining them at #KeegansKrew, to help stop bullying.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging on to www.wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Connie Ingrassia
April 30, 2019
Keegan, Your Spirit shines on like one of the stars in the evening sky. You are loved and always will be remembered. Love, Connie I.
Myra Roberts
April 22, 2017
He was a really great friend.
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Marieo jr Johnson
April 18, 2017
Man Keegan was one of my very best friend he always was smart helped me with my homework and Keegan rip man rip
Jody Walsh
April 17, 2017
Dear Ms. Beal,
You don't know me but I was saddened to hear of Keegan's passing. I don't recall when or where it happened, but I do remember Keegan opening a door for me once and tipping his hat to me. He put a great big smile on my face and when I graciously thanked him, a big smile appeared on his face as well. You have been blessed with an incredible son who you will meet in Heaven when the time comes. In the meantime, know he is making a lot of people smile up there with his wit, his charm, and his amazingly big heart and compassion for others. Take care and know that even complete strangers have been touched by your beautiful son, Keegan, and we will miss him.
Kendra Brandes
April 16, 2017
Kelly,
I just don't have the words to express how heavy my heart is for you. I had the opportunity to meet Keegan a few times on the Bradley campus. He was an exceptional young man. You are in my thoughts.
Angela Errion
April 14, 2017
A friend of my daughter's knows your family and mentioned the pain she was experiencing because of the loss of your son. She shared he was only 11 years old. My youngest grandson is 11 years old. I can not imagine being parted from him. I felt pain in my heart for your family when my daughter's friend shared this loss. A tragedy that should not have been. He is such a cute boy. He loves all the things my youngest grandson loves. I will be thinking of you all and the pain you have in your heart from having him taken from you. God bless and comfort you all as he is caring for Keegan now.
Just another grandma that cares.
Jessica Freeman
April 12, 2017
I am very sorry for your loss. I had Keegan in my math class. He was such a sweet boy. He loved doing activities and writing on the white board. He always tried his best and was a model student. He will be missed.
Kennedy Tisdale
April 12, 2017
I am Keegan's friend from 2nd-4th grade and I really hope his family is doing fine and I am SO sorry for your loss.
Allan and Vickie (Beal) Freeland
April 12, 2017
So sorry for your loss.
Robin Tompkins
April 12, 2017
I heard about Keegan through a friend of mine. Unfortunately, I did not have the pleasure of meeting this charming, young man. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Kennedy Tisdale
April 11, 2017
I was a classmate of Keegan at Charter Oak Primary since 2nd grade! He was amazing, funny and his fedoras showed up everyday in different colors and ways. I was recently told about his passing and I cried. He was loved by so many around him. Keegan, may you rest in peace and know you ARE loved.
Warten Seymour
April 11, 2017
I am very sorry for the loss of Keegan.I only met him once he was in a school play with my daughter he was a very bright young man.I will keep you in my prayers.
April 11, 2017
I am so very sorry for you loss. Keegan sounds like a wonderful boy.
Angie
April 11, 2017
So terribly sorry to hear of this. He sounds like he was just an incredible kid who is loved very much. My very deepest sympathies to his family.
Eric Fryer
April 11, 2017
I'm sorry for your loss and send Prayers from my Family to yours .
Rest in Peace Young Man Keegan Beal you are one of God's Special Angels
The Drummond Family
April 11, 2017
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Chris Martin
April 10, 2017
I remember Keegan from Cub Scouts at Charter Oak when he was in 2nd grade. He was a very nice, kind boy who smiled a lot. I am so sorry for your loss, he was a great boy who will not be forgotten.
Alan Deffenbaugh
April 10, 2017
Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for you!
Alan and Kathleen Deffenbaugh
Chris Johnson
April 10, 2017
So sorry to hear about what happened. you are in my prayers!! In my families prayers.
Nanette Ringenberg
April 10, 2017
I fell in love with this little man the moment I met him. He came to work with his Grandma, Kathy. He had on his signature hat and a cartoon character t-shirt. He reached right out and shook my hand...there is nothing like sweet little boy. He had my heart. I will miss seeing your smile. GOD bless you and your family.
Nanette Ringenberg
April 10, 2017
I fell in love with this little man the moment I met him. He came to work with his Grandma, Kathy. We were introduced, he had on his signature hat and a cartoon character t-shirt. His smile melted my heart. He reached right out and shook my hand...there is nothing like a sweet little boy. He had my heart. I will miss seeing your smiling face and gentle ways. GOD bless you and your family.
April 10, 2017
God Speed to Peace and Protection...You are Loved and Missed....
Noraine
April 10, 2017
My son just told me about Keegan and I grieve for you and your family and all who knew this wonderful little boy. May God give you strength.
Rachel Bickel
April 10, 2017
Kelly, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I wish for peace and healing for your heart during this tragic time. Where as i did not know Keegan personally, I can only imagine what a beautiful boy inside and out that he was. My heartfelt condolances to you.
Rachel Bickel
Shannon Rakes
April 10, 2017
First off I would like to say I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies goes out to all the family! You will all be in our prayers. He really was a sweet young boy. I remember him going out of his way to hold the door open many times in the morning when I dropped off my little girls at school.
Madisyn Seymour
April 10, 2017
I remember going to school with Keegan. he was a really good kid. He was one of the last usa that i missed when i moved. Rest in peace my dear friend. i miss you #rip #keeganskrew #bullyingneedstostop
Kellie Brown
April 10, 2017
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I do not know you but I know your grief and what you are going through. Sending prayers up for you and your family in the days, months and years that follow..
From one Mom to another,
Scott and Angie Huber
April 10, 2017
The bond between a Mother and Son is something that should never be severed. The love he had for you was apparent in every picture you took. You are in my thoughts Kelly and family.
April 10, 2017
Kathy--
Our thoughts & prayers are with you, Kelly, & your family. So sorry for your loss. Keegan was such a bright spot in your life.
Love-- Al & Vicki Hartzler
Tanya Henderson
April 10, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the Family and community. Praying for you all!
Chrissy Lightbody
April 10, 2017
Sorry for your loss.Prayers to you and the family.
Ruth Alt-Lauterbach
April 10, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss.
April 10, 2017
I will miss seeing Keegan around Skylines brightening everyone's day that he came in contact with. Your grandmother, Kathy, loves you so very much and I will miss hearing the great stories she'd tell us about you and your cousin. You're now sitting with Jesus in heaven with his arms wrapped lovingly and tightly around you, no longer feeling any sadness or pain. Rest in peace Keegan.
April 10, 2017
This young child and the family will not be forgotten in my prayers. Heartfelt condolences to the Mother, Grandparents, Family and Friends....
LaAngelia Moore
April 10, 2017
very sorry for your loss.I don't know you but I am a grandmother too
Yolanda Pennock
April 10, 2017
I loved seeing Keegan walking down the street. He always had a smile and a wave. My words are not adequate to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. Your son was an inspiration to everyone around him. I am so blessed and lucky to have known his beauty, even briefly, and I will keep his spirit alive with the many sacred memories I hold close to my heart.
Mollie
April 10, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. This breaks my heart. I don't have any kids but my nephew reminds me of your son. He just turned 13, and Into YouTube and super hero's. I'm so sorry your going this. I'm praying for your family as Keegan sounds like a very sweet sweet young man.
Marcy McWethy
April 10, 2017
Just last week, I was that person he held the door open for as he tipped his fedora. I said, "Cool hat!" and walked away smiling. What a sweet young man. I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies.
Kathryn Creasy
April 10, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. It hurts my heart to read about this precious boy dying. I am praying for your family.
Krystal Blair
April 10, 2017
So sorry for your loss.
Michelle Gualandi
April 10, 2017
Oh Keegan....How your Grandma Kathy loved you. She shared so many wonderful stories of you over the years. You have your wings my young boy....May you continue on to be free.
Jane, a stranger who cares
April 9, 2017
What a moving and beautiful euglogy written for this young man. To the Dear Mom, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Four-legged Friends (Jackson, Daisy and Charlie) Family Extended Family and Friends of this dear young man Keegan. I am SO very sorry to read about his passing. It just doesn't seem right and my heart breaks for you. I'll be praying the Promises of Our Heavenly Father to continuously sustain you through this most unimaginable difficult time and comfort you until you are reunited with your beloved Keegan again. My deepest heartfelt condolences to you all.....
Kristy Armstrong
April 9, 2017
Sorry for your loss. I used to help during lunch at Charter Oak, I remember him always asking how my day was. Prayers for your family.
Will Bowen
April 9, 2017
So sorry for the loss of this young man. He was taken way to early. Prayers to the family.
Stephanie Wade
April 9, 2017
It breaks my heart what this world is coming to. I am so sorry for your loss. My son is the same age so I can't imagine what you're going through. Sending prayers up to Keegan and to the family.
Jean & Mike Stalker
April 9, 2017
We never knew Keegan, but it seems that he had more spirit and goodness than most people ever have. You were blessed to have been a part of that. May your pain and tears change to happy memories and continued peace and love. Sending our condolences and love.
Lesli... Austin's mom
April 9, 2017
I am so sorry.
Bonnie Hibbert-Bogard
April 9, 2017
May his light continue to shine on those he touched.
Debbie Luke
April 9, 2017
I cannot imagine the heartbreak you are feeling at this moment. I do not personally know Keegan but my Grandson does. He shared memories of he and Keegan yesterday and he wore his own Phedora in honor his friend. I am praying for your family in this difficult time.
Twyla Lowe
April 9, 2017
Sorry for your loss. It sounds like he had it all going for him. Taken way too soon!!
Jennifer Schmitt-Cantrall
April 9, 2017
This breaks my heart .... I never met him, but it sounds like he was an awesome being .... one of God's special people brought here to touch many hearts.
I will be praying that God brings you peace & comfort as you all move forward.
C Cooper
April 9, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. - from one grieving mother to another.
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