Keith Raymond Hamburger

Keith was born at home on August 1, 1938, in Taloga, Oklahoma, to Raymond and Bernice (Mosteller) Hamburger. He graduated from Corn High School in 1956. A natural athlete, he played basketball and was the catcher for the baseball team. He was also quite well known to drive a few really fast cars. On November 18, 1961, he married Kathleen Elaine Block. Together, they built a home south of Paden and raised their two daughters – Michelle Renee and Christi Lynn who were his joy. That joy grew exponentially as he welcomed and cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always saying “I love you and don’t you ever forget it!” A hardworking and dedicated provider, Keith joined the Oklahoma City Fire Department in 1966. From riding the rigs to arson investigation and code enforcement he had a very long, successful and rewarding career retiring as Major. He and his partner Deputy Chief John Soos still have an unmatched record of arrests and convictions during his arson investigation days. In addition to the farm and fire department, he worked many side jobs from garage door installation, backhoe service, construction and roadwork. Keith never knew a stranger and always tried to put a smile on everyone’s face. He reminded people “don’t sweat the small stuff…it’s all small stuff” and always said he was “better than he deserved.” Above all, Keith was a servant leader, whether leading music, working with the youth and kiddos in Awanas to serving breakfast, singing and serving on the school board. He was always willing to help others in any way he could. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Bernice Hamburger, two sisters, Maralin Noble and Eleanor Mowles and husband Chief Bobby Mowles of Oklahoma City Fire Department; son-in-law Lieutenant Donald Manion of Shawnee Fire Department; and daughter Lynn Renee. He is survived by his life partner of 64 ½ years, Kathy Hamburger; his two daughters Michelle and husband Nathan Pickett, and Christi; three wonderful grandchildren, Clint Manion and wife Catherine, Sierra Manion, and Jacob Manion and wife Shelby; three great-grandchildren Henry, Nora and Lincoln Manion who he told us repeatedly to remind them all of how much Papa loves them; and brother-in-law Jack Noble. He also leaves behind a host of extended family and very dear friends who will miss him greatly. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Paden First baptist Church, located at 800 S. Elm St, Paden, OK, 74860. Final resting place is at Oakdale Cemetery in Paden, Oklahoma.