Russell Keyes

Russell "Rusty" P. Keyes, age 63 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, December 27, 2015, at his home. Rusty was born January 23, 1952, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Russell T. and Bessie (Pickett) Keyes. A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Rusty was a 1970 graduate of Jefferson City High School. At Jefferson City High School, he was on the Red and Black Staff, the Quill and Scroll, the International Relations Club, and the Latin, Science, and Math Clubs. He went on to receive his bachelors of arts degree from Drury College in 1974 and his bachelors of science degree from Southwest Missouri State University in 1977. During his college years, he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He was employed as a communication technician with Chariton Valley/Tristar Communications for many years until ill health forced his retirement. He was gifted in electronic and communication devices and anything mechanical. He enjoyed being a ham radio operator since the 1970's. Rusty was a lifelong Boy Scout and was an Eagle Scout with Troop 2, Lake of the Ozarks Council. He served at the Philmont Scout Ranch and Explorer Base as a Ranger in Cimarron, New Mexico in 1971. Rusty was an expert mountain climber, both nationally and internationally having climbed the Matterhorn in 1968 and conquered Alpine peaks in Switzerland and beyond. Rusty was a wilderness survival trainer who traveled extensively, but enjoyed his home town and living in his lifelong home. He will be remembered for his dry wit and remarkable courage. He is survived by an uncle, aunt, cousin, and numerous friends and neighbors that loved him dearly. Rusty was blessed to have amazing caregivers the past eight years from Phoenix Home Health and Home Helpers/Capital City Care, especially Mary, Kayla, Toni, Kathy, Darla and others who helped throughout the years. He was preceded in death by his parents. Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 2, 2016, in the Mausoleum of Riverview Cemetery with interment following at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Boy Scouts of America, Great Rivers Council or National Parkinson's Foundation. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com