Keith Dwayne Brigman

Roxana: Keith Dwayne Brigman, 57, of Roxana, Illinois returned home to the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 at the St. Louis V.A. John Cochran Hospital. Keith was born November 30, 1962 “The Year of the Tiger” to parents Robert “Bob” Brigman and Sandra K. Crider-Byrd and was also lovingly raised by his step-parents, Teri Brigman and Phillip “Mac” Byrd. After ten years of love, Keith is survived by his wife, Lori A. DeWerff-Brigman of Roxana, with whom he shared many memories, children, and grandchildren. Keith’s children and step-children; Jared and Kristy Brigman of Wood River, Jacob and Jessica Bundridge of East Alton, Aaron and Brittany Reed of South Roxana, Erica Paulfrey of Wood River, Marcus and Bailie Garvin of Roxana, Hannah and Siegfried VanDerWee of Canada, Sarahanne Garvin and Dustin Parker of East Alton, Lukus Garvin of Roxana, and Alyssa Reilly of Roxana. Keith gratefully enjoyed the title of “PawPaw” from his surviving grandchildren, Ethan and Emmie Paulfrey, Callieanne and Dayton Parker, Richie, Kegan, Kallie and Allie Reed, Ariana and Erinne VanDerWee and Adaline Bundridge. Keith is survived by siblings Robin and Rick White of Wood River, Kent and Pam Brigman of Dorsey, Chad and Stacy Brigman of Wood River, Rhonda Wooldridge of Godfrey, Nicole Norton of South Carolina; and aunt and uncles, Martha Brigman of South Roxana, Larry Crider of St. Mary Missouri and Darrell Brigman of South Roxana, and many loved and cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, grandparents Robert and Lois Brigman, Guy and Geneva Crider, and a brother Darren Byrd. From 1982 to 1989 Keith proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a “Devil Doc” Corpsman where he earned many achievements including but not limited to, the Meritorious Mast award, Good Conduct Awards, the certification of International Open Water Diver, Navy Hospitalman, Medicinal Petty Officer, Senior Corpsman of Orthopedics - Surgery, and ambulance driver in Great Lakes Chicago. His passion for helping people didn’t stop after the military. He enjoyed working as a CNA Jerseyville Manor and Eden Village. Keith also worked at Tycon Builders but due to health issues ended his time there far before he was ready. Keith held many loves and hobbies near and dear to his heart; Jesus was always first, he loved children so much, marijuana because “like it or not God made pot”, all of God’s animals and it was never unusual to find Keith housing dogs, cats, a pig, chickens, rabbits, a snake, and squirrels in his postage stamp city farm. In 2013, Keith became a proud member of Enjoy Church in Alton, where he served weekly as a cameraman, on the media team, sending the word of God to as many as possible. He took this talent very seriously! Keith was also a proud member of the Mighty Men Ministry through Enjoy Church. It was not uncommon to see Keith wearing his Mighty Men vest while informing all that he and Jesus “had their own thing going on” as he spread seeds of Hope. As a young man, he enjoyed farming in Highland, hunting rabbits with his high school principal and he was an excellent trapper. Fishing was also a passion of his and he supplied many people with fish, which he truly enjoyed doing. In his spare time, Keith took on a love for making wood crafts, including his “Freedom Clock” that went on to win medals and awards amongst the Veteran’s nationwide craft fair. Keith was a people person and he drew many to him through his extraordinary life and the stories! If you were hurting, he took you in, if you needed anything, he gave it freely! He touched so many lives and each one he cherished. There are four young men, he loved dearly, he taught them many things, helped them in rough patches of their lives and made a lasting impact on them. Tim Foley, Jeremy Hayes, Brandon Feezel and Matt Flagg. These four “brothers” leaned on each other and shared countless stories and memories for 20 years. Keith truly cherished the bond they shared and often told us all “You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone”. Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a small service will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in May. A celebration of Keith’s life will be at Belk Park, in Wood River on July 11, 2020 at noon.