Celebration of Life

SUNRISE SUNSET

December 5, 1963 February 27, 2020

Saturday, March 7, 2020 * 2:00 P.M.

Carlyle Lake

West Spillway Recreation Area 801 Lake Road Carlyle,

Keith Steven Madison was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 5, 1963, to King White and Josephine (Madison) Johnston. He was the fifth of seven children and the only son. Both of his parents preceded him in death, along with a special aunt, Ruth Hawkins.

Keith was affectionately known to family and friends as “Batman” and “Uncle Keith”. He was an adventurous and inquisitive child, often pushing the envelope just to see what would happen. He confessed his hope, faith, and trust in Christ at an early age through the ministry at First Baptist Church of Elmwood Park and recommitted his life to Christ in 2019 at Faith Church. He was raised in Webster Groves and Elmwood Park. He received his formative education from both Ritenour School District and Webster Groves School District whereby he attended He earned a Construction & Military Science trade through Job Corps, along with his General Equivalency Diploma.

Keith had an entrepreneurial spirit. He worked 34 years within the construction and landscaping industries, often starting his day before the crack of dawn and delighting in the opportunity to frame, tape, mud, sand, and paint for both commercial and residential projects. He was the father of one daughter, Penny Elaine Eason, and grandfather of Judeah Sims and Tekoa Sims.

Keith was a hard worker who lived life to the fullest. He delighted in fishing and camping at Carlyle Lake, watching the morning news, barbecuing, and laughing. Keith never met a stranger and was known to talk to every person whose path he crossed. He adored all kinds of pets and loved his dog Max. He was passionate about debating politics, cracking and or pulling practical jokes, and putting a smile on the face of others. He was opinionated, quick to speak his mind, slow to choose his words, and quick to anger. He called a spade and spade. He loved gospel music, coffee with his cream and sugar, and the blues.

On any given day, he could be found sitting on his porch, driving to the local quick stop, sipping “a cold one”, calling family and friends at 4am, questioning what the “frackle nackle” was going on or fishing. He had a heart of gold, was willing to help others in need and did not believe in holding grudges. He would give you a piece of his mind and then move on as if nothing ever happened. Getting even was a different story. He delighted in this also.

As the walk of his life rounded its last road, Keith transitioned from the land of the dying to the land of eternal living on Thursday, February 27, 2020. He has once again been reunited with his parents, aunts, and uncles in Glory.

He leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Penny Elaine Eason; two grandchildren, Judeah Sims and Tekoa Sims; six sisters, Lorraine Vann, Linda Cooper, Marlene Alexander, Sharon Kennedy, Trenell Madison, and Deobra Madison; one mentee and son-figure, Quincy Webb; seven special friends, Burt, Curt, Kristy, Ralph, Richard, Ted, and Wardell; a special niece, Dr. Lanette Madison; and a host of in-laws, nephews, nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.