R. Keith Gibb

R. Keith Gibb, age 86, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away at 7:38 p.m. Monday, May 31, 2021 at The Lamoine Assisted Living & Memory Care in Macomb, Illinois.  He was born July 15, 1934 in Smithshire, Illinois, the son of Edward and Marie Anderson Gibb.  On April 10, 1960, he married Beverley Ann McVey in Biggsville, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on January 4, 1995. Mr. Gibb was a veteran of the United States Army.  He  was a teacher and principal in the former Stronghurst and  Southern School system for many years, retiring in 1994.  He was a graduate of Kirkwood Illinois High School and Western Illinois State Teachers College, in Macomb.  He later received his Master’s Degree from Western Illinois University. He devoted his entire adult life to educating children, and spent much time securing funding for gifted and special needs programs.  Following his retirement, he enjoyed substitute teaching in schools around the region as well as in Texas. Keith was the youngest of seven children, and was the devoted caretaker for many of his older siblings in the later stages of their lives.  He enjoyed many outdoor activities, mushrooming, mowing yards, and trips to Hawaii.  He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.  Survivors include one daughter; Diana (Jason) Legel of Genoa, IL, one son; Brian Gibb (Chris Williams) of Portsmouth, NH, and two grandchildren, Madeline and Lindsey Legel .  He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and six brothers and sisters. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 4th at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, followed by a time to celebrate his life and share memories at 2:00.  A graveside service will follow in the Ellison Cemetery, near Smithshire.  Memorials for the Friends of Henderson County Wildlife are welcomed. Please visit Keith’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.