Keith W Lawrence

1941 - 2025

The vibrant life of Keith Lawrence was lifted to his eternal rest with his Lord on September 17, 2025. Keith's life was full of love, laughter and dedication to his country, family, friends and his savior, Jesus Christ. Keith lived a life of devotion and service.
Keith was preceded in his eternal rest by his mother and father, Arey Madeline and Paul Lawrence, devoted wife, Sharon, his beloved sisters, Karen and Nancy, partner in mischief brother Gerald and his lovely niece Jacinda. Kieth is survived by his loving sons, Joseph (wife Michelle) and Blake, and the granddaughter he adored, Delaney.
After graduation from Berkeley High School Keith honored several employers with his service before realizing his dream of serving his country when he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force in 1961. He served with pride and honor while accepting his varied responsibilities assigned to duty stations around the globe. He was joined when possible by his loving family and bravely on his own for several remote assignments. He spread his service to his country twice in California, the Philippines, New York, Texas, Illinois, twice in Turkey, finally fulfilling his decorated time in service to his country in 1983, close to home and family in Missouri.
Keith eventually found himself in service again at Central Missouri State University. He retired honorably after a career marked with awards and recognition of outstanding performance to the University and the State of Missouri.
Keith cherished his time as an integral member serving the youth summer recreation programs of Knob Noster and Warrensburg. He was often joined on the ball diamonds by Joseph and Blake as umpires adjudicating tee ball, baseball and softball games with enthusiasm and integrity. He took seriously instilling the values of sportsmanship, teamwork and fairness, helping to mold the youth he encountered with these values.
Keith was a 16-year member of the local Matthews-Crawford Post 131 of the American Legion. He cherished the camaraderie and fellowship of his fellow military brothers and sisters. He served them in the roles of Chaplain, Vice Commander, Board of Directors, Honor Guard and as a member of the Dance Committee. He was also a valued assistant at the Tuesday bingo games for several years. You can see his silhouette painted on the facade of the Post, proudly saluting the flag of the country he revered and served.
Keith loved to dance and he did so with his many friends and fellow line dancers at the American Legion and Moose Lodge of Sedalia, among other dance floors in the area, and he did so until his legs were bound by a stroke in 2023. Even then, Keith was still there every Saturday night to enjoy his cherished fellowship with his fellow dancing enthusiasts.
Visitors will be welcomed at Williams Funeral Chapel, 1400 S. Maguire St., Warrensburg, Missouri 64093 at 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 27, 2025. Pastor Sid Tiller will officiate Keith's service at 3:00 PM. Burial will be Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri, accompanied deserved full military honors.