Keith Richard Wattleworth

Keith Richard Wattleworth, a lifelong farmer and resident of Yale, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home of 56 years on June 18, 2025. He was 90 years old.

Keith was born on January 30, 1935, to Dwight and Juanita (Chapman) Wattleworth of Yale. He grew up on the family farm and attended Advance and Yale grade schools before graduating from Casey High School. In 1957, he entered the U.S. Army. After his service, he returned home to work alongside his father on the family farm. He was a Mason and a member of the Casey First Baptist Church.

On March 26, 1961, Keith married Janine Perry. Together, they built their home and established a farmstead on the Jasper–Cumberland County line, raising two daughters, Cheryl and Carol. Over the decades, Keith farmed corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, hogs, and cattle with dedication and pride. In 1972, Howard Henderson became his right-hand man, like a member of the family, working alongside Keith until his retirement in 2013.

Keith cared deeply for his land and his home. He lovingly cared for Janine through her long battle with cancer until her passing in 1991. In 1993, he was blessed to marry Maggie Miller, with whom he shared another 31 wonderful years of marriage, continuing to grow the farm operation and enjoy life together.

Although he officially retired from farming at the age of 79, Keith remained active and deeply connected to his land. He enjoyed collecting both full-size antique John Deere tractors and toy models of them. He never missed a trip to town for coffee and conversation with friends—what he fondly called “shooting the bull.” He and Maggie loved their gator rides to check the crops and tended a large garden, constantly growing plenty of sweet corn to share with family and friends.

Keith’s roots ran deep. His ancestors immigrated to the United States from the Isle of Man in the mid-1860s, settling in Crawford County following the Civil War—a legacy of hard work and resilience that Keith carried proudly throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Maggie of Yale, IL; daughters Cheryl (Roger) Brown of Casey, IL, and Carol (Michael) Collins of Chicago, IL; grandchildren Ashley (Andrew) Powell of St. Charles, MO; Alyssa Brown of Indianapolis, IN, and special friend Ian Leonard of Bloomington, IN; John Collins of Casey, IL; and James Collins of Chicago, IL; and great-grandchildren Ethan and Sadie Powell of St. Charles, MO.

His stepchildren also survive Keith: Stephanie (Ron) Cox of Casey, IL; and Kendra (Steve) Birchfield of Casey, IL; step-grandchildren: Natasha Young of Casey, IL; Caitlyn (Spencer) Deig of Carmel, IN; Victoria (Cody) Hollensbe of Casey, IL; McKenzie Sanders of Indianapolis, IN; Briana Sanders of Casey, IL; Peyton Birchfield of Casey, IL; and Colton Cappetta and Karis Miller of Rogers, AR; and step-great-grandchildren: Evelyn and Hamilton Young of Casey, IL; Henry and Thomas Deig of Carmel, IN; Alice Hollensbe of Casey, IL; and Quinn Cappetta of Rogers, AR.

His sisters-in-law also remember him, Connie Perry of Louisville, KY, and Barbara (Mike) Boyer of Vincennes, IN; his brother-in-law, Jim McCrory of Yale, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents: his first wife, Janine; his brother, Norman; his sister-in-law, Joann Wattleworth; his brother-in-law, Jon Perry; and his stepson, Gary Miller Jr.

Keith will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, devotion to family and friends, and love for the land he called home.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Casey First Baptist Church, with Rev. Tom Marsh and Rev. Brent Howard officiating. Burial will follow in Hazel Dell South Cemetery, Hazel Dell, IL, with Rev. Larry Hollensbe officiating. Casey VFW and Martinsville American Legion will provide Military Rites. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Casey First Baptist Church, 101 E. Alabama St., Casey, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438; Casey First Baptist Church, 101 E. Alabama St., Casey, IL 62420; or Susan G. Komen Foundation (Breast Cancer), P.O. Box 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home in Casey, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.