M. Keith Berryman

Morgan "Keith" Berryman, age 91, of Metamora, Illinois, formerly of Peoria, passed away at 11:55 am on Thursday, May 22, 2014 surrounded by family at Snyder Village, Metamora. He was born August 1, 1922 in Franklin, IL to Henry "Merrill" and Bertha Olivia Berryman. He married Melba Crayne on October 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, UT, 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 WWII as a military policeman in Burma, India for three years. Through the years he participated in many veteran reunions with the China-Burma-India Veterans Association. Keith was an active, life-long 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, FL 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 11:00 am at Dayton Avenue Baptist Church with the Reverend Sunny Mooney and 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 North Dayton Avenue, Peoria or to the Parkinson?s Group at IPMR, 6501 North Sheridan Road, Peoria. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com