Obituary published on Legacy.com by Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville on Oct. 1, 2025.
Milo "Keith" Lindley, son of Fred W. and Josephine Foster Lindley, was born September 4, 1937 at the family farm Northeast of Moulton, Iowa. He died August 18, 2025 at home in Corpus Christi, Texas.
After attending one-room country schools, he graduated from Moravia High School with the class of 1954. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Upon completion of Boot Camp and Electronic Technician training, he served onboard USS Estes, AGC12 where he participated in the atomic energy tests at Eniwetok and Bikini during the summer of 1956. In 1961, he attended Naval Intelligence School and, upon completion, was assigned as part of the original crew of USS Enterprise, CVA (N) 65. He later served aboard USS Lexington, CVS 16. Keith served in various intelligence-related positions throughout the USA as well as in Okinawa and Japan. While on active duty, he attended evening classes, earning a BGS degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a MSed degree from Old Dominion University. Keith completed his 30 years and retired from the Navy as a Master Chief Intelligence Specialist October 1, 1984.
Upon his retirement from the Navy, Keith returned to southern Iowa where he became Executive Director of New Focus, Inc. and retired from there March 31, 2003. His favorite pastimes were fishing and golf. The highlight of his golfing was being invited to and playing in the Charlie Daniels Celebrity Golf Tournament for 3 years.
Keith married Ann Stevens Grimes in December 1958. She passed away October 2000. Keith married Joy Turner Burger in November 2001. He is survived by his wife, Joy, daughter, Mary Kay Keck (Mark) of Newport, Nebraska, son Kenneth Lindley (Veronica) of Urbandale, Iowa; daughters, Jennifer Oden (Derek) of Corpus Christi, Texas and Janelle Beecher (Francis) of O'Fallon, Illinois; brothers, Lazelle Lindley of
Centerville, Iowa, Wayne Lindley (Barbara) of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Marvin Lindley of Sheldon, Iowa, and sister, Nancy Stokwicz of Pella, Iowa. Also 11 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Ann, a sister, Karena Henriksen, and a brother, Dale Russell Lindley.
Per wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in
Centerville, Iowa. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home with the family greeting friends from 10:00AM-11:00AM. A private family burial will take place at Sunset View Cemetery. Memorials have been established to New Century Hospice in Corpus Christi, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Lindley Family, 501 North 18th Street,
Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
To view the livestream services for Keith, please click the link below or visit: https://my.gather.app/remember/keith-lindley
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