William "Bill" Keating

William George “Bill” Keating, 93, passed away June 3, 2025, in Winterset.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, November 23, 1931, Bill was the son of Ray and Doris (Wells) Keating. The family resided in Harrison Township, Adair County, until March 1948, during which time Bill attended Harrison #4 Country School and later Stuart High School. In 1948, the family relocated to Scott Township, Madison County. Bill graduated from Winterset High School in 1950, marking the beginning of his lifelong career in farming, a vocation that defined much of his character and work ethic.

Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1952. After completing his training at Camp Roberts in California, he was deployed and served in Korea and Japan until December 1953. His service brought him great pride, and he cherished the camaraderie he shared with his fellow veterans. In later years, Bill was deeply moved to receive a Quilt of Valor in 2014, a recognition that carried profound meaning for him. In 2015, he was honored to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C., a memorable experience that allowed him to pay tribute to his fellow Korean War veterans. Throughout his life, Bill remained an active member of the American Legion, contributing to his community as part of the Legion Honor Guard for as long as his health allowed.

On February 28, 1965, Bill married Shirley Ann Clark. Their son James Russell Keating was born in 1970. The Keatings lived in Winterset until 1977, when they relocated to the Family Farm in Scott Township.

Bill was active in the United Methodist Church. He enjoyed square dancing with the WinterSets Square Dance Club. He had memberships with Farm Bureau, where he chaired the membership committee, Farmer’s Co-op, Madison County Cattlemen, Madison County Pork Producers, and served on the REC nominating committee.

Bill played the guitar and was part of the Hillbilly Band, which had quite a nursing home following. He enjoyed socializing over coffee, liked cookies, and often shared stories and maybe a little dirty joke. He was very proud of his grandsons, Justin and Sam, who have grown into amazing men, influenced by his guidance. He never missed any event that they were involved in, except one due to a medical condition. Bill really enjoyed hustling his grandsons in any card or board game.

Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley; son James Russell (Cynde) Keating; and grandsons Justin W. Keating and Samuel J. Keating, all of Winterset. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Doris (Wells) Keating and his sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and John Snyder.

A Visitation will be held Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Funeral Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Winterset, on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:30 am. The burial will follow in the Winterset Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be directed to American Legion Post #184, PO Box 84, Winterset, IA 50273. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.