Michael Keithly's Obituary
Michael Wayne Keithly (1962-2024)
Michael Wayne Keithly, 61 years old from Odessa, MO passed away on April 17, 2024, in St. Charles, MO after a prolonged battle with brain cancer.
He was born in 1962 in Independence, MO, to Gary Bryant (deceased) and Dixie Gamblin of Odessa, MO.
Mike was well-known for his commitment and dedication to community organizations. He served on various boards and committees from 2006-2022 (until he became ill), including the title of President of the Boonville Fraternal Order of the Eagles and Aerie #1022. He held several positions at the Eagles, including Trustee, Trial Committee Member, State/Provincial Outside Guard, and Trial Committee Chair. Mike was also proudly elected into the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Missouri State Hall of Fame in 2008.
He also held the title of a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite and was a member of the Ainad Shrine.
Mike was a businessman for many years and owned multiple businesses. He worked for UPS for the past decade and has recently received his 10-year service award.
Mike is survived by his soulmate and best friend of 35 years, Staci Smith Keithly. They got married in Reno, Nevada on February 23, 1989, and raised four exceptional children together: Tiffany (Arturo) Keithly, Brittany (Brett) Hurt, Thomas (Courtney) Keithly, and Austin (McKenzie) Keithly.
Although Mike enjoyed volunteering his time and passion to organizations, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with friends and family, his favorite pastime was being a grandpa and spending time with his six grandchildren: Peyton, Sophie, Zoee, Harper, Bentley, Cooper and Channing.
Mike was preceded in death by his brothers David L. Gilmore, Danny E. Gilmore, Alan D. Huddle, and his sister Tammy L. Jobe. His surviving brother is Buddy Gilmore (Lela) of Weatherford, Texas.
Mike will be remembered for his humor, sarcasm, and witty jokes, which his family and friends appreciated about him. His most memorable saying was “Don’t let this head fool ya.”
Mike’s life will be celebrated at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles (Boonville) on Saturday, May 4, from 1 to 5 p.m. The Eagles will serve food, and a cash bar will be available.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Mike Keithly Memorial Fund at Citizens Community Bank in Boonville, MO. Any contributions will go toward his medical expenses and memorial service.
A Mike Keithly Facebook page has been created to allow family and friends to post memories and photos in his memory.
Link provided below.
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