Clinton "Clint" Keay

Clinton J. Keay, 87, went to his eternal home on January 30, 2016.

Clint was born on January 19, 1929 to William and Valborg Keay in Logan, IA. Clint was the youngest of four siblings. His brothers, Luther and James, his sister Ruth, and his parents preceded him in death.

Clint graduated from Logan-Magnolia High School in 1947 and from St. Olaf College in 1951. After college, Clint enlisted in the Marine Corps, served during the Korean War, and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. From the military, Clint enrolled at the University of Iowa, earning a master’s degree in business. Clint began his career at Banker’s Life in Des Moines and later moved to IBM as a sales representative.

While at IBM, Clint met the love of his life, Charlene. The two were married in Des Moines on April 29, 1960 and had six children: Steven, David, Karen, Michael, Joan, and Joel. Clint left IBM in late 1962, moving to Logan, IA to help his mother run Perfection Form Company, an educational publishing company that she and her husband William started in 1926. Under Clint’s leadership, Perfection Form Company (now Perfection Learning) rapidly expanded. Over the years, Clint also started a printing business, a corporate training company, and other ventures. In 1997, his son Steve joined him in the business, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary.

Clint gave generously. His legacy includes helping found Iowa Western Community College and providing the impetus for a new community center and pool in Logan. Most important to Clint, though, was faith and family. His smile, encouraging spirit and positive attitude were strengthened by his unfailing love for Char and his devotion to Christ. Clint’s employees were part of his extended family. Clint and Char later moved to Clive and have been active members of Lutheran Church of Hope.

Clint was preceded in death by two children, Karen and Michael, who died in infancy. He is survived by his wife Charlene; son Steve (Suzanne) and grandchildren Katrina, Rebecca, and Michael; son Dave (Denise) and grandchildren Jacob and Jonas; daughter Joan; and son Joel (Niti) and grandchild Ellora.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday February 6th at 11 AM at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordon Creek Pkwy, in West Des Moines with a visitation at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Hope Legacy Foundation at Lutheran Church of Hope.

Online condolences may be made at www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com.

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