R. Keith Caywood, 81, of Rockford passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at Wesley Willows Health and Rehab Center.

He was born May 14, 1929, in Olney, the son of Charles and Florence (Mumford) Caywood. Keith married Ruth Ann Wildy on Dec. 23, 1950, in New Athens; she passed away Feb. 9,

He was a veteran of the Army serving in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Keith was the founder and owner of Caywood and Associates, an insurance agency in Plano. He was a member of Somonauk United Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder and served on the Session. He founded Tri-City Realty in Plano. Keith served on the board of directors of the Professional Insurance Agents of Illinois, "PIA," and was a past state president. He also served on the board of directors of the Community Bank of Plano for more than 25 years, was a past member of the Plano Rotary Club, American Legion, Lions Club, Plano Chamber of Commerce, Plano Economic Development Board, Plano Credit Union Board, Library Board, and worked with the Literacy Council in Rockford where he helped second grade students to read.

When he moved to Rockford, he joined Third Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder and on the Session and continued to be active in many areas of the church. Keith was a man of gentle character and had impeccable integrity in both his personal and his business life. He will be dearly missed by family and friends alike.

Survived by his wife, Geanie; son, Larry Caywood of Fountain Hills, Ariz.; daughters, Sherry (Bill) Wessel and Laurie (Brad) Claussen, both of Rockford, and Lisa (Bruce) Keating of Fountain Hills; grandchildren, Brian Caywood, Rich (Jennifer) Wessel, Bobby Wessel, Josalyn (Brent) Bitterman, Danielle (Dustin Turner) Claussen, Eric Claussen, Matthew (Jessica), Patrick, Kyle and Austin Keating; great-grandchildren, Eden Wessel and Isabel Turner; stepchildren, Jeanine (Patrick) Williams of North Aurora, Michael (Mary) LaLoggia, Virginia (Kerry) Burd, Cynthia (James) Day, Lisa (Michael) St. John and Jennifer (Brian) Maier, all of Rockford; 26 stepgrandchildren; many nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Ralph (Vicki) Wildy; and sister-in-law, Marty Caywood.

Predeceased also by nine brothers and sisters.

Burial in Oak Mound Cemetery.

Rockford Register Star IL - Thursday, april 28, 2011