Byron Lowell "Pete" Keith

Byron Lowell Keith (Pete) 84, of Penokee, Kansas gained his wings June 30, 2025 in Hays, Kansas. Byron was born August 5, 1940 at the family farm to Lee Vernon and Georgia Gladys (Greene) Keith. He was the youngest of three children. He attended school in Morland, Kansas. After school he worked construction, the oil field and with an electric company. In August of 1963, he was drafted in to the military, where he served and was given an honorable discharged in August of 1965.
While in the service he was a First Specialist which earned him the job of driving higher ranking officers. After leaving the Military he had the opportunity to purchase a WWII Willys Jeep which he used around the farm. The girls remember the rides and then the drives in the pastures. It is still around today although it runs no more.
Byron met the love of his life, Carolyn Ruth Reiners. From the moment he met Carolyn, until the moment he was called home by God, she was his reason for living. They were married October 16, 1966 at St. John's Lutheran Church, a beautiful country church outside of McCook, Nebraska. Byron and Carolyn were devout and active members of Grace Lutheran Church in Hill City, Kansas and raised their three daughters Lori, Julie, and Becky in their faith.
Byron was a lifelong farmer and oil field worker. He loved life and always took time to attend the sports and other activities the girls were involved in. Playing cards with friends, especially pitch and pinochle, reading books on many subjects, including newspaper comics were a favorite pastime.
He loved being on the farm and spending time with the family. His gentle nature showed through as he took great care of his animals and would nurture any animal that wandered into the yard. The girls described him as someone who could fix anything, but most of all he instilled in them the kindness, caring, and strength he lived by.
Preceding him in death are his parents; Lee and Georgia Keith, his brother Glenn Keith and wife Mary Ann, and his sister Vida Hurlbut.
Left to remember and honor him are his wife, Carolyn; daughter Lori, husband Sean, and granddaughter Kylee Werlein of Benton; daughter Julie, husband Darby and grandchildren Jaesa and Ian Whitesell of Cheyenne, Wyoming, daughter Becky and grandchildren Alexandra and Ryan Moran of Kansas City, Missouri; brother-in-law Edward Hurlbut of Paola; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Memorials may be given in Byron's name to Honor Flght Network or Donor's Choice, %Stinemetz funeral Home, 522 North Pomeroy Avenue, Hill City, Kansas 67642