Keith "Kotton King" Roesch
Keith E. “Kotton King” Roesch Sr., 78, of Belleville, IL, born May 23, 1934, in East St. Louis, IL, died Thursday, August 23, 2012 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL.
Mr. Roesch was the owner and operator of Kotton King Concessions in Belleville, IL, for 52 years. He traveled across the nation in the carnival business. He was an active member of the Show Kids and the St. Louis Chapter of the Showmen’s League of America.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Flavian and Blanche, nee Slingerlan, Roesch.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Marian J., nee Grimm, Roesch, whom he married on April 25, 1954;
five children, Keith Jr. (Mary) Roesch,
Myra Roesch,
and Anthony Roesch, all of Belleville, IL,
Michele Mathis of Fenton, MO,
and Diana (Stephen) Williford of Belleville, IL;
six grandchildren;
six great-grandchildren;
and two cousins, Mary Geophart of Springfield, IL,
and Jack Geophart of Belleville, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Keith Roesch Kotton King Showmen’s League Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Diana Williford. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 24, 2012, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2012, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
We are so very sad to hear of Keith's untimely death. We were "new" friends and were fond of both Keith and Marian. We were looking forward to their next visit to Sheila's so we could visit with them. Our most sincere condolences. Marian and other family members: may you find that Keith who you loved so much is still living in your hearts.
Bob and Anita Renard, San Antonio, TX, 78309
We were so sorry to hear of Keith's passing. The Saline County Fair, is going to miss a good friend. He and Marian have been at our fair for at least 30 years. We will always have a place in our hearts for him.
Dennis and Allison Wilson, Harrisburg, IL - Illinois, 62946
A true friend to all showmen and suppliers. Keith was certaining good to our family thru the decades. Will miss our visits at the State Fair meetings, and in Tampa, always appreciated his advise and his wonderfull homemade candies.
The Tombers, Saint Louis
The Tombers, Saint Louis, MO, 63103
Myra,
My deepest sypmathy to you, your mother and your daughter and the rest of your family. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Michelle @ ARTCo, Godfrey, IL, 62035
What a true an amazing man. The laughter, the stories, the friendship and the telling us "how to do it" will be deeply missed. I hope you realized how much your friends and family loved you and we will miss you! (Ps hey Keith I will keep being your guarantee princess ~Lori)
The Germain Family, St. Louis, mo, 63129
We are truely sorry to hear of Kieth's passing. Our kindest regards to Marion and the family.He was such a hard worker in the Carnival/Concession industry. The "King of Kotton" will not be forgotten!
RL Mueller Popcorn and Supply, St Louis, Missouri, 63135
Keith was a very special man. He will be sadly missed by all,but his memory will live on.
Bill and Belva Sparks
, new douglas, il, 62074
My deepest sympathy to Marian and the entire Roesch Family. To me, Keith was a good man with a lot of spunk. I really enjoyed our lengthy conversations. He will be missed.
Jim Hayes - United Carnival & Tinsley's Amusements, St. Louis, Mo, 63125
Please accept my condolences. Mr. Roesch was a friend, neighbor and mentor.
Jim Ogle, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33407
My sympathy to Keith's family on your loss. I was a classmate of Keith's at St. Henry's Grade School, Class of 1949. Sorry I didn't get to see Keith more in the past.
BOB RETTLE, BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS, 62223
My heartfelt sympathies to the family as you cope with the loss of a loved one. May the fond memories shared bring comfort during this time of grief and pain. (Please read John 5:28,29)
Rhodes, , ,
my deepest condolences to the Roesch family...i worked for Keith a long time ago he was a good guy to work for
mark lynn, harrisburg , il, 62946