Keith Edward Kinderknecht

Dr. Keith Kinderknecht, DMD, passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus, where he is now reunited with his beloved son Caleb. Keith was a devoted husband to Nona Kinderknecht and a loving father to Noah, Jedidiah, Gabriel, Caleb, and Hannah. He cherished his grandchildren Isabel, Caleb, Everett, Daniel, Henry, Nathaniel, and his daughters-in-law Julia, Monica, and Kirby. Keith is also survived by his siblings Linda, Jerry, Sharon, and Nancy. Preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Carma; his sister, Mary Ann; and his son, Caleb.

Keith graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and proudly served his country in the United States Navy, both stateside and internationally. After earning his DMD degree, he maintained a private practice in Michigan prior to completing a specialty residency in prosthodontics at the National Naval Dental Center in Bethesda, Maryland. His career in dentistry spanned more than fifty years and was marked by excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to education.

Keith taught at the University of Maryland, the University of Kentucky, West Virginia University, and most recently at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He served as an adjunct professor and was the past program director of the Advanced Prosthodontics Residency at the UAB School of Dentistry. Throughout his career, he directed numerous predoctoral and postgraduate courses. His expertise in dental occlusion, TMD, articulation, mandibular movement, and full mouth rehabilitation shaped generations of dentists and specialists. Keith lectured nationally and internationally and served as Past President of the Board of Directors for the American College of Prosthodontists.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Keith loved the Lord and faithfully served in churches across the country. Whether preaching, playing trumpet in worship or teaching small groups, he poured encouragement, wisdom, and the Word into the lives of everyone he met. His love for Nona and his children was steadfast.

Keith ran his race with perseverance and finished it well. His legacy lives on in his family, his students, his colleagues, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, skill, and unwavering faith.