Pastor Jerry Keams passed away Christmas morning, Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, at the Little Colorado Medical Center in Winslow, following a sudden illness. He was 61 years old. A viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, at the Castle Butte New Life Fellowship Church in Dilkon. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Dilkon Community Cemetery in Dilkon. He was born on a Sunday, Sept. 23, 1956, in Winslow, to the late Jack Keams and Mae Jensen Keams. As a child, Jerry enjoyed living the ranch life, especially working with and riding horses. As a student at Holbrook High School, Jerry was involved with its cross-country and long distance running team. During his time on the team, Holbrook won the state championship for 1974-1975. He loved sports and was an excellent basketball player. In 1976, Jerry met the love of his life, Phyllis Dan in Mississippi. They had four children, Daryl, Adrian, Danielle and Jerilyn. In 1985, the family moved back to Arizona and Jerry began working as a mill hand at the sawmill in Springerville. For many, many years, Jerry was involved with the church band, “The Chosen Generation,” playing the guitar. In 2000, Jerry began another chapter in his life when he began serving as the pastor of the Holbrook Pentecostal Church. He enjoyed serving the Lord, as it was the main focus in his life. Pastor Keams is survived by his wife, Phyllis Keams and their four children; three grandchildren, Aiyana Gary, Coran Gary and Marckus Dan; his mother, Mae Keams; and siblings, Richard (Virginia) Keams, Lena (Venton) Nelson and Marlinda Keams. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Holbrook handled the arrangements.
