Keith Wayne Lewis left this world on March 8, 2021, on his journey to meet his Lord and Savior after a two-year battle of bone marrow cancer and acute myeloid leukemia. Keith was born on May 6, 1949, in Unionville, MO, the first child of James and Elizabeth (Tuller) Lewis. Keith grew up in the Lucerne community attending grade school at Lucerne and West Putnam and graduated from Newtown Harris High School with the class of 1968. Following graduation, Keith worked with his dad and brothers at their plumbing business. In the summer of 1970, Keith was putting in water lines at a residence south of midway and met a young nursing student, Nettie McCoy, who would become the love of his life. They married on November 26, 1971, following Nettie’s graduation from Northeast Missouri State University. This union was blessed with three wonderful children, Kimberly, Karyn and Daniel.
In the early 70’s Keith’s career took a different turn which launched him into a 40-year trucking career. He worked for James Fleshman for several years hauling grain. Then he went to work for Yellow Freight in Kansas City and retired from Yellow Freight after 13 years in May 2011. He was a member of the local teamster union 41 and received two safety awards honoring his driving record. Keith and Nettie purchased a farm from Eldon and Mary Robb and started a cow/calf and row crop operation. Keith was also in a farming partnership with his mother-in-law, Geraldine Roberts whom he loved dearly. Keith finished his trucking career working for Unionville Livestock, Tanner and Nick Michael and Putnam County MFA. Keith’s hobbies centered around his mechanical abilities! He liked to repair and work on international tractors. His 1066 tractor was his pride and joy!! He kept the kids’ vehicles in prime condition and took pride in teaching his son, Daniel and grandson, Noah. Keith loved his family and enjoyed being called Papa Keith. He especially enjoyed spending summer weekends with his grandchildren fishing at the watershed, attending barrel races and cheer events! Keith had a servant’s heart and was always willing to help others in need. His family always called him the “Good Samaritan”. He attended local churches where he gained his salvation and baptism.
He leaves to mourn his wife, Nettie and children, Kimberly Hammeke and husband Duane, Blue Springs, MO; Karyn Ward and husband Dan, Blue Springs, MO and Daniel Lewis and wife Melissa, Clinton, MO; nine grandchildren: Alex Hammeke, Trey Baker, Daniel, Joseph and Rachael Ward, Noah Probasco, Kala Simons (Darrell Anstine), Kelsi Goans (Chris), and Abigail Lewis; four great grandchildren Kalynn, Zaylee, Brayden and Asher; one brother, Jerry Lewis and wife, Donna of Newtown; his brother-in-law Larry McCollum of Trenton; one niece, Sharmyn Garcia and husband Juan of Newtown; three nephews – Jeremy Lewis of Newtown , Cody McCollum of Trenton and Darwin McCollum of Auburn, Nebraska.
Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents, mother and father-in-law Tom and Geraldine Roberts and Clarence McCoy, his sister Linda McCollum, his sister-in-law, Linda Chornock and brother-in-law, William D Wyant.
Funeral services of Keith will be at Playle & Collins family Funeral Home in Unionville at 2:00 pm Thursday, March 11, 2021, with visitation one hour prior the service. Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to and checks should be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri or the Putnam County Historical Society and may be entrusted with Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th, Unionville, MO 63565.