Keith Balyeat, 79

Keith Balyeat, 79, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, at his home in Sturgis, surrounded in love by his wife, children and stepchildren, following a long-fought battle with congestive heart failure.
He was born July 1, 1937, to R. Clyde and Irene Balyeat. He graduated in 1956 from White Pigeon High School. In 1962, he received a diploma in radio and television servicing from the National Radio Institute in Washington, D.C., and later received a diploma from DeViers Technical Institute in Chicago. He was owner and operator of Keith’s TV & Appliance in White Pigeon for many years. He enjoyed remodeling, electrical and plumbing projects. He had a caring spirit, was honest in all that he did, and was a friend to all who met and knew him. He believed in never carrying a grudge and treated others how he wanted to be treated.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sharon; daughters Robin (Dale) Hagen of White Pigeon and Kandy (Ken) Harrell of Summerville, S.C., a son, Brian Balyeat of Illertissen, Germany; four stepchildren, Byron Hooley of Sturgis, Lora (Phil) Stuckey of Burr Oak, Vance Hooley of Houston and Dawson (Sheryl) Hooley of Lowpoint, Ill.; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; brothers Don (Pat) Balyeat of Constantine and Roger (Julia) Balyeat of Shipshewana, Ind.; a sister, Marilyn Musser of Shipshewana; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Keith’s body was donated to University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor for medical education and research. A memorial and burial will take place at a later date in Ann Arbor.
A memorial service will be held locally at noon Saturday, Nov. 12, at Gracepoint Baptist Church, 26268 U.S. 12, Sturgis. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon. A light luncheon will be provided following the service.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that a memorial contribution may be given to Gracepoint Baptist Church, PO Box 844, Sturgis, MI 49091. Please designate with contribution “in the memory of Keith Balyeat.” Memorial contributions will go toward the church’s mission for Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child.”