Standardbred horseman Carl Keyes Jr., of Battle Creek, MI, passed away at the age of 90 on Saturday, September 21, 2019.
Carl was born on May 12, 1929, to Carl Keyes Sr. and Rena (Irish) Keyes in Battle Creek and raised in Assyria Center. Carl graduated in 1948 from Bellevue High School where he played football and was the class president. Following graduation, Carl worked within the automotive sales industry prior to being drafted with the U.S. Army. He served from 1950-1952 with the 486th motor transportation unit in Germany. Carl married Linda Jean (West) in 1953 and they had two daughters, Carlinda and Karen. She remained the love of his life for 66 years.
Carl worked as an insurance claims adjuster at Wolverine Insurance prior to opening his own auto body and sales business, Keyes Auto Specialties in 1966. Carl owned Keyes Auto Specialties for 22 years before retiring in 1988. He spent many decades raising, training and racing Standardbred harness racehorses, a hobby he shared with his granddaughter, Ashlee. There was nothing he loved more than being surrounded by his family. He enjoyed snowmobiling, talking cars, helping others, and loved spending time within his barn amongst all of his auction treasures.
Carl was predeceased by his parents, sister Doris Arlt, brother Merwin Keyes, niece Carleen Hawks and nephew Mike Fuller. He will be greatly missed by those in which he left behind. Survivors include his wife Linda; two daughters, Carlinda (Gary) Rizor, Karen Williams; five grandchildren, Shannon (Bob) Angeli, Brooke Rizor (Maureen Seferovich), Heather (Kyle) McLeod, Kyle (Kristina) Williams, Ashlee (Matt) Williams; great-grandchildren, Domenic and Giuliana Angeli, Emmett Rizor, Walker, Wyatt and Weslyn McLeod, Aubree Williams and Christian and London Williams.
Graveside services will be held 12:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2019, at Fort Custer National Cemetery with Reverend Caroline Meyers officiating. Those wishing to attend, please gather in the assembly area prior to service time. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home (henryfuneralhome.org).
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Carl Keyes Jr.
(USTA)