Keith grew up the youngest of five children and his mother died when he was 11, just as World War II was beginning. As he helped his brother and father on the farm, he had a special enthusiasm for working with horses and continued that interest the rest of his life. Following his graduation from Lyons High School in 1947, he attended Sterling College for one year. He then transferred to Kansas State University where he spent three years and majored in Animal Husbandry. He particularly enjoyed his friendships made through Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity during this time. There he met Marilyn Jones of Penalosa, Kansas and they were married on March 18, 1951. Shortly into their married life, instead of completing a final college semester, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps where he served during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Corporal. After his discharge, they returned to Kansas and became part of a new community, farming in the nearby Saxman area where they have resided for 67 years. During the 1950's, there were opportunities for socializing with other young veterans participating in the G.I. Bill's "On-Farm Training Program" and he looked back on those times fondly. As his family grew up, he was actively involved with Saxman Presbyterian Church, rural school activities and 4-H leadership. As a farmer-rancher, he was particularly proud of being one of the early breeders of Charolais cattle in the state, and also an early advocate of cross-breeding in Kansas. After their children left home, Keith and Marilyn continued for many years leading and participating in small groups such as Memorize the Word, mentoring at the Hutchinson Reformatory and he served as an elder during the early years of Faith Bible Church in Lyons. He wanted it known that he had rededicated his life to Christ in 1972 and that his spiritual life had become more meaningful to him from that time on. Keith greatly enjoyed hunting and especially fishing throughout his life, passing that interest on to his children and grandchildren, especially savoring the occasional trips to Minnesota or Canada. He had a lifetime creative drive, learning to craft leather while in the Marines and was still working every day in his leather-working cabin and usually in his woodshop through the month of his death.