"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!""
Keith didn't write it, but he lived it and loved it. Maybe not to an extreme, but to the fullest. He loved life and all the people in it, and anyone who knew him, would call him a friend to the end. Keith was the type of person you could rely on and hold him to his word, personal and business.
His heaven on earth was sitting on the deck next to mom, overlooking Table Rock Lake or on the deck at home waiting for friends to stop by or call.
Keith received a heart transplant 30 years ago and made sure he cherished each day following, knowing that God gave him a second chance at life.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Keith is survived by his bride of 53 years, Margaret; son and daughter-in-law, Duane & Kelly Wilkinson; five grandchildren, Ethan & Alec Wilkinson, Mallory & Manuel Chavez, & Christopher Gonzalez; and two great-grandchildren, Ryan Gonzalez and Hilaria Chavez.
Memorial contributions in Keith's memory can be made to Kansas Honor Flight Inc, 401 W. 1st Ave, Hutchinson, Kansas 67501 and/or St. Jude's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
There will be a private family graveside service, with a Celebration of Life Service for Keith to be announced at a later date for friends and family.
