Keith Bray
Age - 89
December 1, 2023
ObituaryKeith Bray, a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and great-great grandpa, passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 89. He was born on June 22, 1934, in Vernon, Texas, to Clyde Allen and Lola Agnes Bray. Keith graduated from Muleshoe High School in May 1953. He then started college at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas in the summer of 1953. This is where he met the love of his life, Mildred JoAnne Hanks (Jo). They met on July 7, 1953 and then married on September 11, 1953. They just celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary early in September 2023. AMAZING!Keith enrolled in the United States Army, June 8, 1955 and served until June 3, 1957. He trained at Ft. Ord, California. He was sent home for a short furlough and then sent to Ft. Knox, Kentucky for a short time before being sent to Baumholder, Germany for 11 months. While Keith was stationed in Germany, JoAnne was able to join him in Germany. They were able to travel to several European countries during this time; Holland, Paris, France, Switzerland and one overnight stay in Austria during a train ride. They went for their special 3rd Wedding Anniversary to Germish, Germany. After honorable discharge from the United States Army, Keith worked for his father in the insurance business for a short time and then went on to work for his maternal grandfather, Big Daddy (George P. Carpenter) for around a year prior to deciding to go back to college. Keith and JoAnne talked and he decided to pursue an agricultural degree from Texas Tech University. While Keith was obtaining his bachelor's degree, JoAnne worked as a dietitian in the dorm food service. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education and he decided to go into teaching. He taught at several high schools throughout his teaching career including, Ackerly, Texas; Muleshoe, Texas; Garden City, Kansas; and Quinter Kansas. After retirement in 1994, he substituted in Quinter, WaKeeney, and Wheatland. Keith was a beloved agriculture teacher and FFA instructor. Throughout his life, Keith touched the hearts and minds of countless students and community members as he passionately taught the values of hard work, dedication and importance of agriculture. His commitment to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program was unwavering. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of young farmers. Keith taught for a total of 34 years. Beyond his professional life, Keith was a family man at heart. Keith and JoAnne had 3 children, Gene Keith, Kim and Robert Allen. Keith's love for JoAnne was so evident every time that they were together. And to continue talking about his love and dedication to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren shown through as often as possible. He was never introduced to some of these little ones, but anytime a new baby entered the family; it was all about walking that baby or feeding him/her. He and JoAnne went to as many extracurricular activities as possible especially after retirement. He loved hunting, fishing and gardening as hobbies and was known to never turn down an outing while in his prime. The number of fishing poles in his "hobby" room was astounding and then the amount of fishing tackle was even more astounding and all of that was needed every time we all went to the local fishing hole or lake. It was always a big ordeal and simply impressive the love he had for the outdoors. In Keith's later years, he unfortunately developed the debilitating disease of dementia/Alzheimer's and eventually needed more care than JoAnne or family could provide at home. The difficult decision was made that he would be cared for by the wonderful nursing and staff at Bruce McCandless Veteran's Living Center in Florence, CO. He resided there from October 2016 up to the time of his passing. Keith is survived by his loving wife, JoAnne and 3 children, Gene Keith (Bev) Bray of New Castle, OK; Kim (Larry Joe) Jacobs of Kiowa, CO, and Allen (Kelly) Bray of Olathe, KS. He is also survived by his grandchildren Wes Adams of OK, Pam (Jerry) Gardner of NE, Sam (Malerie) Bray of ID, KaSara (Shaun) Hayes of St. George, UT, KaSaundra (Nathaneal) Meade of Casper, WY, Jake Jacobs of Kiowa, CO, Addy (Ever Hernandez), Savannah, Thomas and Joseph Bray all of Olathe, KS along with 11 great grandchildren; Leuna, Rehna, Treuen and Tessin Meade; Alexa Hayes; Nathan (Danika) Adams, Ryan (Jennifer) Gardner, Jayden Gardner, Livee and Lexi Bray, and Aspen Hernandez and 4 great-great grandchildren. Keith is also survived by his sister-in-law, Thelma (Clyde Jr. ) Bray of Pampa, TX. Keith is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Allen and Lola Bray; siblings, Clyde Allen Bray Jr. , Anna Lucy (Horace) McAdams, Dan (JoAnn) Bray and grandson, Jarman Joe Jacobs. Keith leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and a passion for farming and education that will forever be remembered. His impact on the lives he touched will be felt for years to come, and he will dearly be missed by his family, friends, previous students and the entire community. Keith is also very well known to be very active in the Quinter Methodist Church as lay leader and part of the Methodist Men group. He attended regularly and was known to be seen reading the Bible as he needed to prepare for some kind of devotion or reading of Scripture. Keith loved singing at the church and could actually carry a pretty good tune. A memorial service will be held on November 10th at the Quinter Methodist Church in Quinter, KS with Pastor Rhonda Unn officiating. Open casket viewing will be from 1-2 PM and then funeral services immediately following from 2-3 PM. A light lunch will be served by the Quinter Methodist Women's group will be held after the funeral in the Fellowship Hall at the Quinter Methodist Church immediately following Keith's funeral. Military services will occur at the WaKeeney Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in WaKeeney, KS on Tuesday, November 14th at 10:30 AM for his cremated remains to be placed in his internment. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Quinter Methodist Church in Quinter, KS, in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main St, Quinter, KS 67752. Keith's wife and children were able to be by his side as he took his final breath here on Earth and as he was received into Heaven. We were so blessed to have been able to take part in his life on Earth and look forward to the day that we will all be reunited in Heaven. May Keith's spirit rest in peace as he is able to enter the Gates of Heaven and rest in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ through His Savior's salvation. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Keith Bray, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.Show more
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