A memorial fund has been established.
INTERMENT: Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Iowa
Charles Keith McGinnis, 75, of Glenwood, Iowa entered into eternal rest on July 20, 2006 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was born June 14, 1931 to Arthur Earl & Maude Arlien (Darland) McGinnis in Stella, Nebraska.
Keith was raised in Tabor, IA and was a graduate of Tabor High School. Following graduation, he attended Peru State College and Graceland College in Lamoni and spent two summers playing baseball in the New Your Yankee organization. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War Conflict and spent 2 years serving as athletic director at a military base in Eta Jima, Japan.
After returning home, he enrolled at Northwest Missouri State College in Maryville, Missouri graduating with a degree in Education. Keith was united in marriage to Retha Foster on Dec. 19, 1954. To this union three children were born, Diane, Teresa and Chuck. Keith’s teaching and coaching career began in Stanton, IA where he coached many sports involving youth of all ages. He then returned to his hometown of Tabor to teach and coach. It was there that his girls basketball team made it to the state tournament in 1965. Also at that time he attended Omaha University, now UNO and obtained his Masters degree.
Keith was hired by the Glenwood Community School District to fill the position of principal at East Elementary. While serving in that position, he also coached girls athletic teams in softball, track and basketball and obtained his Specialist degree from UNO. He was instrumental in the bond issue that resulted in the construction of the new Northeast Elementary school in 1975 where he served as principal until his retirement in 1992. The Nature Center at Northeast which was developed by Veda Flint and other faculty members was a favorite project of Keith’s. Many students and athletes were fortunate to have him as their teacher, principal and coach throughout the years. He was highly respected by both student body and faculty during his career in the Glenwood Community School system.
After retirement from the school system, he started his own business known as the McGinnis Tree & Seed which he operated for 14 years. He became noted for his expertise in native prairie seeds and plantings. Keith worked on projects with the Omaha Botanical Gardens and Safari Park as well as providing seeds for the Iowa D.O.T. Many people have benefited from the beautification projects involving his trees and seeds. He was currently a member and chairman of the Glenwood Tree Board, American Legion Post 141, and Grace United Methodist Church.
Preceding Keith in death were his parents and brother Darwin McGinnis. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Retha McGinnis of Glenwood, Iowa; children Diane & husband Alan Wilson of Tempe, AZ; Teresa & husband Tim Briscoe of Westminister, CO; Chuck & wife Kim McGinnis of Crete, NE; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; sister-in-law Margaret McGinnis of Tabor, IA; nieces, cousins, and a host of friends.
Visitation:Sunday, July 23, 2006
4:00 PM
212 South Locust
Glenwood, IA51534
Service:Monday, July 24, 2006
10:00 AM
212 South Locust
Glenwood, IA51534
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