Ronald Eugene Forsythe, Jr.

1963 – 2021

 

     Ronald Eugene Forsythe, Jr., 58, of Keokuk, IA, died Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA.

     Ron was born on August 7, 1963 in California.  He graduated from Central Lee High School in Donnellson, IA and then attended Southeastern Community College in Keokuk.  He continued to further his education throughout his military career.  On November 10, 1984, Ron was united in marriage to Anne Kelso in Keokuk and they later divorced.

     Ron was a retired veteran of the United States Air Force.  He proudly served his country for twenty-one years and attained the rank of Master Sergeant.  As part of his military career he served two tours in Operation Desert Storm.

     Ron was a people person and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was always first in line to help anyone in need and touched the lives of many people with his kindness and generosity.  He loved attending auctions where he would buy trailer loads of stuff and then give it all away to those in need. Ron especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  

     He is survived by two daughters, Kristine Forsythe of Ft. Madison and Nicole Forsythe (Aric Peck) of Keokuk, two grandsons, Gabriel Keppel and Nathaniel Forsythe-Skelton both of Ft. Madison and his mother and step-father, Alphia and Gregory Lang of Donnellson.  He is also survived by two sisters, Pamela Forsythe of Donnellson and Angela Pardall (Vincent) of Donnellson, two brothers, Joe Lang (Lynette) of Ft. Madison and Jason Lang (Juliet) of Alabama, his father and mother-in-law, Warner and Marlene Kelso of Keokuk and nieces, nephews and other family members.

     He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Forsythe, Sr.

     A graveside service with Military Rites will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 19, 2021 at the Keokuk National Cemetery.  The procession to the cemetery will leave Vigen Memorial Home at 10:15 a.m.

     Visitation will be held after 1 p.m., Wednesday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with the family meeting with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.

     Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #41.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com