Leonard Keep

Butch was born north of Wichita Falls, TX on September 19, 1944 and his family came to Texas shortly after!

He attended Zundy Junior High and graduated from Burkburnett High School. Butch then attended Midwestern State and graduated with a Mortuary Science degree from Dallas College.

He proudly served his country as a sergeant in the US Army, serving 2 tours in Vietnam. He returned home in 1972 and began his 28-year career at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home. During those 28 years, Butch worked as funeral director and was promoted to assistant manager and them manager before retiring at age 55. He retired January 1, 2000 and began volunteering at Hospice of Wichita Falls for 4 years.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and of the men’s Sunday school class. Butch participated in mission trips to Mexico and Montana and helped serve meals at Faith Mission. He served as a ruling elder, member of session, moderator of congregational life, member of finance committee and a Deacon. Butch also sang in the sanctuary choir and his final volunteer work was as an usher… he “truly loved” meeting and greeting people and making them feel welcomed!

Butch enjoyed cooking, indoors and outdoors! He was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener! One of his favorite pass times was riding his Harley… in fact there is still a sign posted in the back window of his truck that says I’D RATHER BE RIDING MY HARLEY! He and his wife enjoyed boating and travelling in their travel trailer to various camping area, taking leisurely walks around the neighborhood, watching 3:00pm episodes of Gunsmoke and having “sweet moments” of morning coffee and conversation!

Butch is survived by his loving wife, Diane of “almost” 28 years, three wonderful children, Jan Keep of Henrietta, TX, Christian Keep of Keller, TX, Carrie Keep of Dallas, TX and one precious granddaughter, Melody Keep of Wichita Falls, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Eileen “Honey” Keep and his loyal companion “Buddy-the cat”.

He fought a courageous battle with Parkinson’s (caused by agent orange exposure) and is now “FREE” of all pain and “TOTALLY AT PEACE”, worshipping his Lord and Saviour and fellowshipping with loved ones and friends already there! Amen!!

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church Saturday June 20, 2026 at 2:00pm with Rev. Michael Hansen and Dr. Ike Butterworth officiating.