Keith Edward Just

Keith Edward Just, age 80, of Yukon, OK, passed away on October 27, 2025, in Norman, OK. He was born on August 27, 1945, in Wichita, KS, to John and Pearl (Waite) Just and grew up in Marion County, KS.

Keith was named one of the Kansas Top 10 Football Players of the Year for 1962 by the Wichita Eagle newspaper. He graduated from Marion High School in 1963 and began his college football career with the Arkansas Razorbacks. He later transferred to Pittsburg State University, where he played for the Gorillas during the 1966 and 1967 seasons and was recognized as an All-Time Letter Winner. Though he played defensive tackle, he proudly scored a touchdown against Emporia State in 1967.

While at Pitt State and a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, Keith met the love of his life, Nancy Marie McManigal of Overland Park, KS. They married in October 1968. Shortly thereafter, Keith joined the U.S. Air Force and served in Vietnam from May 1969 to May 1970. He was later stationed at Kincheloe AFB in Michigan, where their daughter, Kimberly, was born in 1971.

After completing his military service, Keith began a career in the plumbing and fittings industry. The family later moved to Kansas, where their son, Michael, was born in 1976, and finally settled in Oklahoma in 1977. Keith went on to enjoy a nearly 35-year sales career in the oilfield industry, covering Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, before retiring in the early 2000s.

Following retirement, Keith and Nancy purchased a donut shop next to the hair salon where Nancy worked, and they enjoyed running the business together for several fun years. Later, Keith drove a school bus for Mustang Public Schools. Over the years, he and Nancy owned several lake homes that they built or renovated-favorite places to relax and make memories with their children and grandchildren.

Keith's grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was blessed with Jenna and Emma in 2002, Mikayla in 2012, and Jacob in 2014. Together, Keith and Nancy-his beloved wife of 57 years-taught their children and grandchildren the importance of family, hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. Through their example, they instilled both self-sufficiency and compassion.

Before dementia slowly stole his final decade, Keith found joy in family, friends, and the outdoors. He especially loved fishing, telling jokes, fishing, vacations, fishing, watching OU football, fishing, and building toys and a treehouse for his grandkids. Above all, he cherished Nancy's home cooking-she spoiled him daily with delicious meals and snacks. He was a lucky man who lived a blessed and love-filled life.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Richard Ray, who died in infancy. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; daughter, Kimberly Russell (Chris); son, Michael Just; granddaughters, Jenna Marie, Emma Ann (Dagan), and Mikayla Lynn; grandson, Jacob Edward; and "bonus grandkids" Christopher David and Samantha Rose. He is also survived by his sister, Johnsie Buller, along with many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bethany Children's Hospital in Bethany, Oklahoma, where Keith and Nancy volunteered for many years.

Keith's life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Yukon, OK.