Rev. Dowain V. McKiou, 95, of The Villages, Florida, formerly of Mascoutah, Illinois, passed away with his family at his side on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022 in Florida.
He was born on July 12th, 1926 in Poynor, Missouri to Ezra and Flossie (Anglin) McKiou.
Rev. McKiou was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Imogene McKiou, Stella (McKiou) McDaniel, wives; Mary Ruth Biggers, Carol Ann Holland, and Evelyn Wright. He is survived by children, Patricia (McKiou) Brizendine, of The Villages, Florida, Kevin McKiou of Sarasota, Florida; Grandchildren: Kerri (McKiou) Masutto, Kyle McKiou, Kory McKiou, Ryan Latshaw; Great grandchild: Jayden Latshaw.
Rev. McKiou served his country in the United States Navy during World War II serving as Coxswain in the Pacific Theater. Following his honorable discharge he pursued an education and employment as an accountant. He and his wife, Mary Ruth, enjoyed a growing family with the birth of Kevin and a flourishing career with the National Oats Company when he felt the call to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Following his B.A degree in Business from McKendree University, he entered the School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA where he completed his degree in Divinity. Rev. McKiou was ordained by the Southern Illinois Conference (now Great River Conference) of the United Methodist Church. In 1957 he was appointed pastor of the Faith Methodist Church in Cahokia, IL where he built the church and congregation from its infancy. It was during this appointment that his second child, Patricia was born. Subsequently, Rev. McKiou was appointed pastor of the Chester United Methodist Church in Chester, IL and the Signal Hill United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL. Rev. McKiou's business talents were recognized by the Southern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church and he was assigned duties as the Associate Director of the Conference Council in 1967 and Director of Administrative Services and Pension Fund in 1981 in Mt. Vernon, IL. His final assignment was as Executive Director of the United Methodist Village in Lawrenceville, IL. While in this assignment, he recognized the growing senior care need and managed the acquisition and development of a 120 acre campus for senior retirement, assisted living and memory care in Godfrey, IL. Rev. McKiou retired from the United Methodist Church in 1984 to Texico, IL where he entertained grandchildren with acres of fishing, canoeing and adventures in the woods and off-road trails. Retirement was full of fun and travel as he was remarried to Carol Ann Holland and moved to Edwardsville, IL. After Carol Ann's passing he found a fulfilling retirement with Evelyn Wright, seasonally traveling between homes in Mascoutah, IL, Madeline Island, WI and Bonita Springs, FL with an occasional jaunt to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Following Evelyn's passing in 2021, Rev. McKiou moved to an assisted living facility in The Villages, FL where he could be close to family.
Rev. McKiou loved spending time with friends and family and was always available when a helping hand was needed. Favorite activities were hunting, fishing, ballroom dancing and travel.
His family will receive guests at 12:00 p.m. on April 23rd at Valhalla Gardens of Memory Mausoleum, Belleville, Illinois. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the mausoleum with military honors.
Memorials may be made to: United Methodist Preacher's Aid Society and Benefit Fund.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ValhallaGardensandFuneralHome.com for the McKiou family.