Keith Nyles Esau

Keith Nyles Esau

Keith Nyles Esau, 41, died Saturday (May 9, 2009) in Denton County, Texas. He resided in Dallas, along the shores of White Rock Lake. He was born on Oct. 31, 1967, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He was adopted by John A. and Bernice A. (Klaassen) Esau in 1969, while the family lived for a year in Winnipeg. He was naturalized as a U.S. citizen on Oct. 29, 1979, and retained dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship. Keith was baptized upon his confession of faith on May 24, 1984, and was a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton.

He graduated from Newton High School in 1986. As an athlete, he ran with the cross country team.

He graduated from Bethel College in 1990 with a degree in business.

Following his college graduation, he served two years with Mennonite Voluntary Service in Dallas, working as a grants writer and data systems monitor for AIDS Services of Dallas.

Following his years as a volunteer, he was employed by ASD and worked there for almost 20 years.

Keith is survived by his parents, John and Bernice Esau of North Newton; his brother, David Esau and his wife, Jill, of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and his sister, Sheryl Esau of Wichita.

A book signing will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton.

Inurnment will be at the Bethel College Columbarium in North Newton.

Memorial contributions may be made to AIDS Services of Dallas in care of the funeral home.