M. Keith Berryman

METAMORA - Morgan "Keith" Berryman, age 91, of Metamora, Ill., formerly of Peoria, passed away at 11:55 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2014, surrounded by family at Snyder Village, Metamora.

He was born Aug. 1, 1922, in Franklin, Ill., to Henry "Merrill" and Bertha Olivia Berryman. He married Melba Crayne on Oct. 5, 1942, in New London, Mo. She passed away on June 29, 2013.

Surviving are one daughter, Melanie Shearer of Peoria; son-in-law, Daniel Shearer of Dunlap; four grandchildren, Angela (Matthew) Choberka of Ogden, Utah, Jason Pownall of Washington, Erin (Branden) Martin of Dunlap and Kate (Jake) Vandiver of Peoria; and four great-grandchildren, Haleigh, Olivia, Zachary and Lucian.

He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Berryman; sister, Wilma Lee Gassdorf; and nephew, David Crayne.

He served in the Army during World War II as a military policeman in Burma and India for three years. Through the years he participated in many veteran reunions with the China-Burma-India Veterans Association.

Keith was an active, lifelong member of Dayton Avenue Baptist Church in Peoria. He proudly served as a deacon for several years, treasurer and as chairman of their Building Planning Committee.

He was employed by Caterpillar, retiring in February 1980. He bragged that he actually had been retired longer than he had worked at Caterpillar and they were still paying him.

One of his passions was living in Lake Placid, Fla., during the winter months. He loved fishing and socializing with other snowbirds.

When in Peoria, he was active in the Caterpillar Retirees Club, playing billiards and cards. He volunteered along with his wife to deliver meals at Snyder Village, attended the pinochle card group and most any function with a meal or a potluck. He was always ready to play a game with family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Dayton Avenue Baptist Church, with the Reverend Sunny Mooney and the Reverend Jim Richardson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Mt. Hawley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dayton Avenue Baptist Church, 3707 N. Dayton Ave., Peoria, or to the Parkinson's Group at IPMR, 6501 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria.

Online condolences can be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.