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Keith McCormack Obituary
Bryan O'Keith McCormack, 74, of Walnut Grove, Missouri passed away Friday, April 10, in Springfield. He was born in Dalhart, Texas, October 19, 1940 to Bryan and Jessie McCormack.
In 1962, Keith married Dorinda Goodwin. They had one son, Malley. Keith grew up in Plainview, Texas and at the age of 13 his grandmother bought him a $14 Regal guitar. His neighbor and friend, Aubrey de Cordova taught him to play by taking lessons himself and then coming home to share with Keith. Keith began to play in teen groups practicing in garages.
In 1961 as a member of the String-a-Longs they recorded "Wheels" which sold over six million copies worldwide and reached #3 on the billboards in the U.S.
Keith wrote the song "Sugar Shack" sung by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs which sold over 2 million copies and was the #1 son of 1963. He wrote other hit songs and when Jimmy Gilmer left the Fireballs. Keith became the lead singer of the group. He played the night club circuit in Springfield for many years.
Keith pursued many other interest in life including becoming a pilot and aviation instructor. He loved the outdoors and the past few years operated a lawn and landscaping service.
Keith is survived by his wife, Dorinda, one brother, Max Thames, his sister in law, Linda Culp, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Malley, and brother, Terrell McCormack. Keith lives on in the music he leaves behind.
At his request cremation is under the care of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. No services are planned.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith McCormack
Robert Kessinger
January 25, 2025
Thinking of you today Keith we had a lot of fun and that old van of mine. Sure miss the Hitchin' Post days. Big R
Robert L Kessinger
September 12, 2024
Enjoyed knowing you and working with you at the Hitchin' Post in Springfield. We had a lot of fun.
Kristopher De TR
April 8, 2021
I think about my friend and flight instructor often. I miss Keith’s dry sense of humor with his long drawl dialect from Texas. I have a String Alongs CD that I play from time to time. He knew I played the drums and I still try to play the guitar. I asked him to play for me once and he said he was not picking well and needed to practice. He was always focused on the flying instruction when I was in his presence. I have not flown an airplane in years now, but whenever I hear a single engine plane flying above I will smile and remember Keith’s big toothy grin.
Conita Silva
April 10, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Your Presents on this Earth is never forgotten!
Kristopher De Tar
March 22, 2016
My extended sympathies to Dorinda whom I met once when visiting your home when I first moved to Missouri. I was Keith's first student pilot back in 1999 in Prescott, AZ. at Love Field. He had told me in 2014 on the phone about his new cancer and was hopeful he would be treated. When I had not heard from him in a while I learned of his passing. I have many great memories of Keith from over 100 hours of flying together while he gave me instruction. A very gifted flight instructor with a unique approach for teaching a complex activity. When ever I am landing an airplane, I can still hear his calm Texas drawl voice giving advice on how best to land. God Bless you Captain, I will see you again someday at that great airport in the sky.
Robin martinez
February 5, 2016
Dorinda , I'm feeling sad at your losses I'm Terrells Xwife Robin . I was but a child but at that time think of you all regularly , my condolences .
Ricardo Herreras
January 11, 2016
Although I'm not a family friend nor a personal one, I am sorry for your loss. I only knew Mr McCormack through his music. I played for over 50 years and some of his songs still resonate inside me.
James / Terry
May 12, 2015
Dorinda: I am very saddened to learn of Keith's death. A lovely man has left us. No doubt he is enjoying some good tunes again with Terrell and Malley. God Bless you Dorinda. Keith will be watching out for you. You will be alright.
Brenda McGatha
May 10, 2015
Dorinda, I am so sorry to hear of Keith's passing. My heart hurts for you. I love you and miss seeing you and wish I would have got to visit the last time I came to town. Keith was such a nice man. He will be missed by many. I would love to hear where you are living now so I can visit you again. If anyone could contact me I would appreciate it.
Kevin Mourning
April 16, 2015
I grew up with Malley, Keith and Dorinda.
I lived right next door to them, this family always took good care of us when times where hard for my mother.
Dorinda if you read this I never got the chance to thank you for letting me be a small part of your family.
RIP Keith, Terrell , Malley
Jean (Feagin) Newton
April 15, 2015
I went to high school with Keith. His band entertained us at a birthday party in Dick Burnett's back yard. I also enjoyed seeing them at the "Sound & Sirloin" dinner club in 1970 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Keith was very talented, and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. My condolences to the family.
Dwayne Wood
April 15, 2015
Rest in Peace, Mr. McCormack.
Karen Moore Noel
April 15, 2015
I grew up next door to Keith, I remember a very kind, patient teenager, who was very kind to me. God bless his family.
April 14, 2015
I'm sure your Son was waiting to show you around, I always respected your music, it was a privilege to had known you in my life, God Bless
David & Maryline Bigham
April 14, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Keith will surely be missed.
Donnie Burwell
April 14, 2015
My thought and prayers go out to Dorinda. I had gotton to know keith in these past ten years as Mally was a longtime friend. Enjoyed every minute with him, loved to hear him tell his stories. Rest in peace my freind.
Terry Armes
April 14, 2015
My deepest condolences to Dorinda. Keith was a good man and a huge talent. I will always cherish the time I was able to spend with him, both on and off the stage.
Dwayne Wilson
April 14, 2015
You will be missed !! ..... Still love listening to "Wheels"... "Sugar Shack" and "Daisy Petal Pickin" and all the other songs you were involved in. Have lots of memories when you were playing around the panhandle of Texas (Plainview...) R.I. P.
Johny Johnson
April 14, 2015
RIP Keith, Really enjoyed setting in with you guys back in the 70's. My deepest condolences to Keith's Family.
Jackie Moore
April 14, 2015
He was talented in so many ways and a very interesting man to know. Our family and friends enjoyed listening to him sing at Ramon's back in the 70's. We believe that he and Malley are together in heaven and we just pray God bless Dorinda during this difficult time.
Jolene Sublett
April 14, 2015
To correct a date I mentioned earlier. It was 1980 I believe when I worked with him instead of 1976. Again, Keith was a great talent and a very nice man. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends, Jolene Sublett
April 14, 2015
We were so honored to have known Keith, Dorinda and Malley. Keith was very talented and we looked forward to hearing him perform at Ramon's many years ago. He was such an interesting person and he and Dorinda were a beautiful couple. We know that Keith and Malley are singing together again in heaven. Mark & Jackie Moore
April 14, 2015
I had the privilege of singing with Keith back in 1976. He was a great talent and a really nice man. My sympathies to the family.
April 14, 2015
Rest in peace Keith
Virgina Woolery
April 14, 2015
Keith was one of the greatest men I knew. I will miss him dearly as so many others will. Rest in peace my dear friend.
N.C. Huffman
April 14, 2015
My deepest condolences to Keith's family. May God bless you in this time of sorrow.
The Staff of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home
April 14, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
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