Keith Leslie Williams

1948 - 2026

Keith Leslie Williams

April 27, 1948 - March 7, 2026

Keith Leslie Williams, 77, formerly of North Platte, passed away at his daughter's home on March 7, 2026.

Keith was born to Clarence and Vicki Williams in Broken Bow on April 27, 1948. He attended North Platte High School and graduated in 1966. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the Blackhorse 11th Cavalry as a tank commander. When Keith returned home to North Platte, he met Linda Remus, and they were married on Nov. 25, 1972.

Keith loved cars and drag raced at Kearney and Denver until their daughter, Rebecca, was born in 1977. As years went by, Keith's other hobbies included fishing tournaments with his bass boats and rooster tails, as well as hunting with his family and buddies.

After retiring from UPRR, Keith took up his love for cars again, buying his 1967 Camaro and attending car shows with friends. His newest love was his 1967 Chevelle. Keith reunited with many buddies from his time in the Army.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, in 2019; his father, Clarence and mother, Vicki; brother, Leland; father-in-law, Loren Remus and mother-in-law, Betty Remus.

Survivors include his daughter, Rebecca Merklin of Gretna; grandson, Dillon Frosh and fiancé, Kirsten Gibson, of Gretna; former stepdaughter, Taylor Merklin and fiancé, Luke Borgmann, of Lincoln; great-granddaughter, Blaykelynn Frosh; step-great-grandchildren, Shaylynn, Xavyer and Rhykar; many friends and other family; his cat, Rylee AKA "Spicy Kitty"; and his "adopted" children and grandchildren from his daughter and grandsons' friends. Everyone called him "dad" or "grandpa."

Memorials are suggested to the family. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.

Funeral service is at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Burial with military honors follows at 2 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. The family requests casual attire for the service; veterans to wear military t-shirts and car show buddies to wear car show t-shirts. Antique cars are welcome to follow in procession to Fort McPherson, with Keith's Chevelle being driven in front of the line. Visitation is from noon to 7 p.m., with family receiving guests 5-7 p.m., Thursday, March 12, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.