Robert "Bob" Leroy Keithly

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Keithly on September 21, 2024 at the age of 83. Bob was born on May 3, 1941, in Milo, Missouri, to Wilbur Leon Keithly and Mary Helen (Shutters) Keithly. In 1957, his family relocated to Lamar, where he finished his schooling and graduated in 1959. After attending Pittsburg State University, Bob decided to pursue a different path in life. Through mutual friends, he met the love of his life, Jeannie Mayfield. They continued to stay in touch while Bob began working for Finley Engineering as a surveyor on military missile sites in Wall, South Dakota. Bob and Jeannie were joyfully married on June 16, 1963, beginning a lifelong journey together.

 Auto mechanics was Bob's first love, and over the course of 25 years, he supported his family working for Carl Moore, Medlin-Frieden and Gilkey Chevrolet. He had a natural mechanical mind and found his greatest joy in fixing things, always working with his hands and solving problems. He later applied those skills working on the Maintenace Department at O'Sullivan Industries. He officially retired in 2003 and over the course of 17 years began a series of "post-retirement" jobs. He maintained the grounds for the Barton County Courthouse which eventually led him to work with the county road and bridge crew. Being able to work outdoors, run heavy equipment, and enjoying the camaraderie of his coworkers made it one of his most gratifying jobs. He spent the last 7 years volunteering and serving on the board of the Good Samaritan Shop until his health declined. In addition to his strong work ethic, unwavering determination and dedication to helping others, he had a wonderful sense of humor and brought joy and laughter to those around him.

Bob loved antique tractors, even restoring the one he learned to farm with as a child, a 1947 Massey-Harris Pony. He enjoyed going on tractor rides, camping and fishing at Roaring River, traveling, gardening, homemade banana ice cream, and tinkering in his workshop. Bob was also an active member of the Lamar Methodist Church.

Bob is survived by his son, Michael (Vercie) Keithly of Lamar, MO; his daughter, Teresa (John) Butler of Pella, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Vashti (Braden) Buzard, Bradly (Rebecah) Keithly, Carrie (Doug) Dixon, Aiden Keithly, Pherra Keithly, Garret Keithly, Kolton Keithly, Ethan (Larissa) Butler and Kaylee Butler (Fiance Blake Conant); eight great-grandchildren, True Keithly, Raelyn Keithly, Dez Dixon, Aurora Dixon, Ray Dixon, Eliza Dixon, Alec Dixon, Eva Joy Butler, and baby Keithly due in November; one brother, Donald (LaMalva) Keithly of Lamar, MO; two sisters, Betty Kuhn of Lamar, MO., and Debra Keithly of Kansas City, Kansas.

Bob was incredibly proud of his family and nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; his parents; one sister, Marcella Choate and two brother-in-laws, Roger Kuhn and Charles Choate.

 A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Daniel Funeral Home with burial to follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, Thursday, September 26, 2024 prior to the service at the funeral home.

Contributions are suggested and should be made payable to either the Barton County Senior Citizens Center of The Good Samaritan Shop in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

 Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com