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Keith Rex Moore, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at Clearview Home in Mount Ayr.
Keith was born Aug. 13, 1948, along with twin brother Kenny, the son of Harold Benton and Fama Margaret (Grady) Moore in Creston. He was welcomed home by older brother Scott and later joined by sisters Holly and Nindy. Keith was raised in the Southwest Iowa area and attended school in Orient. He was an exceptional athlete, with baseball being his favorite sport. He enlisted into the U.S. Navy May 19, 1966, during the Vietnam War and would earn his GED while serving his country. He was Honorably Discharged Aug. 5, 1969.
On April 17, 1973, Keith married Marcia Heimke at the First Christian Church in Creston. They had two children, Tammy and Blake. He found love again with Donna (Matheny) Kniep. They were married June 27, 1987, at the Methodist Church in Clearfield. Keith embraced his role as a father figure to Donna’s children: Diane, Karla and Clint. Together, they enjoyed 37 years of marriage.
Keith dedicated 31 years to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. He worked his way up from conductor to engineer, where he earned the nickname “Mor-Z,” which is a testament to his dedication and presence within the company. After retirement, he continued his work ethic by driving a truck for Farm Service of Orient for several years. Keith and Donna enjoyed wintering for four years in Laguna Vista, Texas, and one year in Mesa, Arizona, where Keith could golf in the winter time with his friends.
Keith was actively involved in his community. He served as a member of the Theodore J. Martens VFW Post #1797 Honor Guard and was a former member of the Elks Lodge and Eagles Club in Creston. A passionate golfer, he was a long-time member of Crestmoor Golf Club where he enjoyed many hours of golf with his buddies. Additionally, he was a well-known figure in Southern Iowa’s slow-pitch softball scene, actively playing for many years.
Above all, he cherished his role as a grandfather and uncle. He dedicated countless hours to playing catch, teaching card games and traveling to support his grandchildren’s, nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events. His presence in the front row ensured they always knew he was cheering them on. The kids always knew when “Papa” or “Uncle Keith” was there, as he sat close to the front row to make sure they saw him.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Fama and Harold; brothers, Scott and Kenny; in-laws, Earl and Eileen Matheny; son, Clint Kniep; son-in-law, Randy Long; grandsons, Ben Dodge and Jon Ecker; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dwight and Mike Matheny and other extended family members.
Keith is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Moore of Creston; children: Tammy (Glen) LaFratte of McKinney, Texas, Blake (Mikki) Moore of Celina, Texas, Diane Long of Rosendale, Missouri, Karla (Nic) Denney of Camden Point, Missouri, and daughter-in-law, Shaun Kniep of Mount Ayr; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Holly (Dan) Ferber of Corning and Nindy (Jim) Coles of New Virginia; sisters-in-law, Dixie Moore of Creston and Karen Elliott of Clearfield; many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Creston. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the funeral home. Reverend Mary O’Riley will officiate. As per Keith’s wishes, cremation will follow the service. He will be laid to rest in Clearfield Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family, with a designation to be determined at a future date. Condolences and memories can be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.