Keith James Conerty's Obituary
Keith James Conerty, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Monday,
September 2, 2024. Keith was born in Lebanon, Indiana on December 20, 1959, to Hugh James Conerty Jr., and Judith Ann (Kibler) Conerty.
Growing up in Decatur, Illinois, Keith enjoyed playing Kiwanis youth baseball coached by his father and competing in the Fairview Ice Rink Hockey League. Keith graduated from Mac Arthur High School in Decatur, IL.
After graduating, He enlisted in The United States Army. Specialist Keith Conerty was awarded Certificate of Achievement For Meritorious Achievement while assigned as a Senior Scout Observer for Combat
Support Company Reconnaissance and Surveillance,
4th Battalion, 9th Infantry in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Specialist Four Conerty demonstrated outstanding professionalism, initiative and dedication to duty along with comprehensive knowledge of Artic Cold Weather Tactical Operations. Keith shared with his family his experiences of parachuting from helicopters in the Artic Mountains with his 60lb pack, snow skis and rifle for day as well as nighttime combat Missions in Artic Mountain Reconnaissance and Surveillance, often in subzero temperatures. He was intimately involved in the Artic Mountain Cold Weather training and survival of combat troops.
While serving his Country in the U. S. Army, he was awarded the Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal,
Marksmanship badge M-16 Rifle, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Diploma which was awarded at Fort Richardson, Alaska. He was honorably
Discharged from The U. S. Army April 1982.
After his service in the Army, he relocated to Florida. He graduated from The American Computer Institute in Daytona Beach Florida, with an Associate Degree in Computer Science.
He was employed by North American Bancard Corporation as a Regional Manager in Florida.
Keith lived life with a fun sense of joy and passion for his family and friends. He was a true patriot with a deep sense of dedication to his Country. He enthusiastically
supported the University of Illinois Illini Football and Basketball teams, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Keith is preceded in death by his father, Hugh James Conerty Jr., brother-in-law Phil Wallace, brother-in-law Dr. Dale Rouch. He is survived by mother, Judy of Decatur IL, son Edward, sister Terri (Terrel) Joslin of Girard IL., sister Dr. Debra Bergman Rouch of Carmel, IN, sister Lisa Wallace of Long Creek, IL, sister Susan Taylor and brother Brian of Decatur IL. and six nieces, six nephews, four great nieces and seven great nephews.
Services will be held at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home, on October 12, 2024. Visitation 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Burial Service at 1:00 pm
Memorial donations can be made to:
Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
Donald J Trump Presidential Campaign at https://windonaldjtrump.com
Condolences can be left, and the service can be seen live on www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Keith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Keith?
Share a story where Keith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Keith you’ll never forget.
How did Keith make you smile?