Keith Evan LeBaron (80), of Freeport, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends after a long struggle with emphysema. Keith was born on June 24, 1934 in Woodbine, IL, to parents Raymond Roscoe and Berneice Marjorie (Evans) LeBaron. He lived in Freeport nearly all of his life and graduated from Freeport High School in 1952. Fifty five years ago, on January 2, 1959, he married Joann Carolyn Simmons at Amity Lutheran Church in Lena, IL. To that union he has a son, Reverend Brian (Kathy) LeBaron who lives in Lena, IL. Previously in 1953, he married Margaret Thruman and they had a daughter, Linda Sue LeBaron, who lives in Santee, CA.

Keith served six months in the US Army, was a National Guard for Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as the US Army reserves. He has been a long time member of First Lutheran Church in Freeport, during which he enjoyed serving on the church council and various committees. He and his wife, Joann, enjoyed many Bible studies throughout their middle years. While in high school, he worked as a telegrapher for the Illinois Central Railroad. Soon after, he began his employment for Micro Switch where he continued his education and skillfully worked up to the level of engineer, and then retired as a Principal Engineer after 39 years of service.

When not working, Keith had a lifelong passion and interest in telegraphy, delighted in anything to do with trains and railroads, and acted as an amateur ham radio operator for W9KGY since 1950. He enjoyed photography, and continuously updated the family genealogy while nurturing his technological expertise with computers, electronics and any other mechanical devices. He also was a compatriot of the Sons of the American Revolution.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Ronald and Sister Sandra. He leaves his wife, Joann and daughter Linda and son Brian. He has eight grandchildren: Christine (Rafael) Rodriguez, James (Jamie) Hopkins, twins Megan LeBaron and Mary (Andrew) Barry, Melissa LeBaron, Scott LeBaron, Bradley LeBaron, and Kevin LeBaron. He has three step-grandchildren: Karla Broge, Amanda (Brad) Albaugh, Emily (Joshua) Ryan. Great-grandchildren: Miranda Rodriguez, DJ Hopkins, Sylvia Hopkins and step-great grandchildren: Hunter and Keagan Broge; Brynn, Avah, Easton, and Chord Albaugh; and Dorian Ryan. He also leaves his sister, Sue (Richard) Schwartz.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday July 22, 2014 at Walker Mortuary in Freeport, IL from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of his life on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at First Lutheran Church of Freeport at 11 a.m. with Reverend Keith Johnson presiding.

A luncheon will follow immediately afterwards at the church, followed by a brief committal service at Lena Burial Park.

A memorial has been established for First Lutheran Church.

His family would like to also thank FHN Hospice for their help and support, as well as many physicians, nurses and therapists of FHN for their tireless and dedicated years of care.

Please view the Family Guest Book and sign the condolence page at www.walkermortuary.com