Submitted by
Loyd Bishop

KEYES – C. M. Keyes, who lived about 6 ½ miles northeast of Blackwell, died on Thursday, March 22, from a complication of the grippe. He was about 58 years old, and leaves a widow and two children living on the original claim. The funeral occurred on Friday, Rev. Isom Roberts preaching the sermon, and the interment was made in the Odd Fellows cemetery south of town

Obituary

C. M. Keyes was born in the state of New York, May 30, 1848; had lived in Ohio, Michigan and Kansas; came to Oklahoma at the opening of the strip and settled a claim where he remained until the time of his death, March 22, 1906. He was married to Miss Nannie Berkmeyer, his second wife, at Leon, Kansas, May 20, 1889. There were two children by his first wife – Raymond, deceased, and Mrs. Maud Edwards of Okfuskee, I. T., and one daughter, Gladys, by his second wife. He belonged to a large family of children, five brothers and five sisters. He was a charter member of the K. of P. and was a Free Mason. Brother Keyes was a member of the Christian church, his membership being at Lothan, Kans., where he formerly lived. He died in the faith and passed away not in the fear of death but in the hope of an eternal life. He was only sick 12 days, yet his suffering was intense, and he bore it patiently to the end. A large number of his friends were present to pay their last respects to him, and he had a large circle of friends who all speak well of him as a neighbor and as a citizen. He was kind in the home and was a good father and an affectionate husband. By his sudden sickness and quick response to death’s call, we are reminded that we should be ready at all times to go at the summons, “for we know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man cometh.” While we must part for a season with our loved ones we can find comfort in the promises of God.

“Light after darkness, gain after loss,
Strength after weakness, crown after cross;
Sweet after bitter, song after sigh,
Home after wandering, praise after cry.
“Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,
Sight after mystery, peace after pain;
Joy after sorrow, calm after blast,
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last.” R.

Card of Thanks

We desire to express our appreciation to the friends and all who in any way assisted us during the sickness of our dear husband and father and whose sympathies have been extended to us in our sorrow.
Mrs. Nannie Keyes
Mrs. Maude Edwards.