Keith Wade Southern

Keith Wade Southern, 65, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away at his home on Monday evening, February 9, 2026. Keith was born to Malloy 'Sonny' Keith and Linda (Bowers) Southern on March 21, 1960, in Neosho, Missouri.

Keith grew up in Neosho, attending Neosho High School and graduating with the class of 1978. He continued his education at Crowder College and William Jewell, graduating with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Keith's younger years were centered around sports. During high school, he was a four sport athlete, playing basketball, baseball, golf and football. One of his favorite high school accomplishments was being awarded First Team All District alongside "Cat" Johnson (Memorial High School), his longtime friend and competitor. He attended Crowder College and William Jewell on baseball scholarships and was a member of the William Jewell Hall of Fame baseball team. Keith boxed with the Neosho Boxing Club and excelled in that sport as well.

Keith worked in sales and managed auto dealerships in Dallas, Joplin, Little Rock, Fayetteville and Springfield. When he wasn't working, Keith enjoyed spending time on the golf course or wetting a line in any lake or creek. He traveled extensively playing golf, with Scottsdale, Arizona, being his favorite golf destination. He was an avid baseball fan, always rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. His creative side showed when he picked up a paintbrush, as he was an abstract painter, and he loved to tend to his flower garden. He was a dog lover who frequently said, "Dogs are better than people." Keith will be deeply missed by his fur babies, Buddy and Frankie.

Keith is survived by his mother, Linda Southern of Neosho, Missouri; his life partner, Lori Benham of Springfield, Missouri; his brother, Chad (Cari) Southern of Neosho, Missouri; his sister, Stacey (Rusty) Enlow of Goodman, Missouri; his son, Hayden Southern of Portland, Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Sonny Southern, and his uncle, Bruce Bowers.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri, with a Celebration of Life to begin at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Advocates Clark Funeral Home P.O. Box 66 Neosho, Missouri 64850.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Clark Funeral Homes.

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