Keith Wiseman

The Rev. Dr. Keith Wiseman died on July 18, 2024. His life was full of friends and family who dearly loved him. His impact on others can’t ever be calculated. What a great man he was. Keith graduated from Dumas High School and from McMurry College in Abilene, Texas. It was there that he met a freshman, Nancy Clifton, who would be the love of his life until his death. Keith received his Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from McMurry University in 1988, for his dedicated service to the University. He was ordained in the NWTX, in 1960.

Keith spent many summers as a youth worker through college and seminary where he impacted countless lives. As a pastor for 63 years, he served churches in the Northwest Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church in Perryton, Amarillo, Lubbock, Levelland, Panhandle, Memphis, Andrews, Big Spring, and Arlington. His spirit of encouragement and his gift for teaching was inspiring to all who knew him. Keith was a wonderful preacher, pastor, and friend to all.

Some of his favorite things to do included running in his 30s to 60s, snow skiing into his 70s, bike riding into his 80s, reading Louis L’Amour western novels, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and enjoying the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado with family and friends. He grew up as a farm kid and spent his early adult years as a camp counselor and pastor at Ceta Canyon. Building on that, he took thousands of kids on ski trips, mission trips, and Six Flags trips. His presence of love and joy was something that remained with him all his life.

He was much beloved by his family who will miss his long pre-dinner blessings, his sense of adventure that included driving with his gas gauge near empty to see if he could make it to the next station, his humor that was at times cringe-worthy, and his need to organize everything and everyone.

Keith was born on January 17, 1935, in Hartley, Texas to Robert and Laverne Wiseman, who both preceded him in death. Keith’s siblings include Bill Wiseman (Boots) who preceded him in death and his sister, Nancy Piercy (Danny). He is survived by his wife, Nancy Caroline Wiseman (nee Clifton), with whom he shared almost 70 years of life and love with. He is also survived by their three “favorite” daughters: Karla Hill (Bryan Hill), Karyn L. Wiseman (Cindy Clawson), and Kim Whittaker (Randy Whittaker). Keith and Nancy were blessed with 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Their grandchildren are Jordyn Lawson (Greg), Jonna Wacker (Andrew), Randi Brooke Tanner (Zeke), Rori Whittaker, and Shelby Wiseman. Their great-grandchildren are McKenna, Grant, Camden, Griffin, Brooke, and Brynn.

His celebration of life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church (1200 W Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, Texas on August 17, 2024 at 2:00pm. The service will be livestreamed through the church Facebook page. The family will receive visitors after the service during a small reception. The services will be led by the Rev. Dr. Karyn L. Wiseman and Rev. Ben Disney, Pastor of Trinity UMC. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choosing.