Keith Lavern Churchill

Keith Lavern Churchill, age 75 of Wellsville, KS passed away Friday, March 11, 2022 at Rock Creek of Ottawa. Memorial services will be held 6PM, Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at the Family Life Center at the Baptist Church in Wellsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of your choice in care of Wilson’s, PO Box 486, Wellsville, KS 66092.

Keith Lavern Churchill was born October 16, 1946 in Lexington, KY, the son of Ralph Wesley and Ada Mae (Engel) Churchill. He moved around to several places with his family until settling in Lawrence where he graduated from high school in 1964. After high school he had hoped to join the US Air Force, but was told he could not because he had “flat feet”. He was sent home and decided to attend the University of Kansas. After a short time at KU and deciding it was not for him, he attended the Kansas State College of Pittsburg and earned a Certificate of Completion in radio/tv repair. He tried his hand again at Bethany Nazarene College but decided it was time he went to work.

Keith enjoyed being a radio announcer in El Reno, Oklahoma for some time. He moved to Leavenworth, Kansas and worked for Sears where he was able to put his radio/tv repair education to use. He worked for several years at King Radio in Olathe and a short time in Chanute at Kustom Electronics. Arizona soon called to him and he spent several years in the electronics field with Motorola. While working in electronics he began attending night classes with the goal of serving in law enforcement. A move back to Kansas brought him to Wellsville where he served in the community on the local police force. Keith also worked as a deputy sheriff in Trego County for a short period and in Ottawa at the Franklin County Detention Center before retiring in 2008.

Keith spent his adult years active in various churches. He loved to sing and enjoyed doing so in the choir and singing specials in church. In these later years of his retirement, he enjoyed attending various Southern Gospel concerts and enjoyed Bluegrass music as well.

Keith’s passion was motorcycle riding. He began riding during his high school years and he had been a member of the CMA (Christian Motorcyclist’s Association) since December 20, 1985. He traveled many miles on various bikes that he owned, the last being his 3 wheel Honda motorcycle. Keith was a member of the BTW (Brothers of the Third Wheel) and the Blue Knights. How he longed to ride again. In high school, Keith had become interested in being a Ham Radio operator. After his numerous health issues over the past years, Keith was ready to go Home and upon his passing, his call sign KB7CZZ will be retired.

Keith is survived by his wife, Sharon of the home; his daughter, Natalie Churchill; 4 grandchildren: Cameron, Amara, Kaylee and Keion; 2 great-granddaughters: Ariah and Journey; sister Ralda Wylie (Dave); sister, Rachel Smith (Ralph); sister-in-law, Cindy Churchill; niece, Heather and nephews, Ryan and Christopher; 2 great nieces: Bethany and Leighney and 3 great-nephews: Ethan, Tristan and Jacob.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Wayne Churchill.

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