Keith W. Jarrard, age 80, of Keswick, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer and other health setbacks.
Celebration of life services were held on Saturday, October 5, at 1:00 p.m. at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home, with Pastor Darryl Carr officiating.
Born on December 1, 1943, in Washington, Iowa, Keith was the son of Doyle and Maxine (Darbyshire) Jarrard. He graduated from Washington High School, and attended college in Des Moines and Kirkwood Community College. On July 23, 2005, he married Melody Gardewine in Washington, Iowa.
After their marriage, Keith and Melody lived in Arizona before returning to Iowa. The couple shared a love for traveling, and Keith had the opportunity to reside in many of the fifty states. Throughout his career, he held a variety of jobs, ultimately working as a mail truck driver until his retirement. A passionate outdoorsman, Keith spent countless days fishing, camping, and woodworking.
He is survived by his wife, Melody; daughter, Danielle Jarrard and granddaughter Ireland Wilson of Muscatine, Iowa; brother, Gaylen Jarrard and wife Lynda of Washington, Iowa; sister, Margaret Jarrard of Washington, Iowa; sister, Joyce Craig and husband Ragan of Washington, Iowa; along with several nieces and nephews.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ellen Hamen; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Jarrard.
