Edwin R. Keith

Edwin Ralph Keith (81) of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away at home, Tuesday March 29th,2022. Surrounded by his family.

Ed was born on February 24, 1941. He was the son of Alvin and Evelyn Keith.

He spent many summers working on Pearl and Owen’s farm in Jennings Kansas. As a child growing up, to when he would take his sons there years later, he did a lot of work on that land. Helping in any way possible. That farm was a special place for him.

He was a Boy Scout and graduated from Southeast High School in 1959.

He was a devoted husband to Norma, and enjoyed sharing life experiences with her. They vacationed all around the country. They also went on trips to Hawaii and Alaska with his siblings and their spouses.

He was a hardworking man that always kept busy. Always working to fix things. To make something better.

His true passion in life were his family and friends. He would always attend all the Birthday parties, weddings, and family gatherings.

He was there any time you needed him. He would always try to help you find the solution. Often teaching you some kind of life lesson or “trick of the trade”. Things that only he knew, that would solve a problem. You had to do the work. He would guide you, but you had to do it to learn it for yourself. Something that would help somebody down the road when it is needed. That would help you when things would get difficult. There was always a solution. You just had to remember it and put it towards the problem.

He was a valued employee of NCR (National Cash Register). Putting in long hours and constantly learning new stuff to keep up with the changing times. He was able to retire early to work on his hotrods, spend time with family, and to travel.

He loved being around like minded “gear heads.” Talking and trading car parts, advice, and ideas.

He built old cars from the ground up. Broke them all down to parts and rebuilt them his way. He always had a vision for what they would look like when completed. He would put hours and years into his old car rebuilds. Taking them from just some scratch drawings into an award winning, one of a kind vehicle.

Over the years he was involved in several truck and car clubs. He won awards for his cars and had trophies that he proudly displayed.

He was an avid Chiefs, Royals and Nascar fan. Never missing a game or a race. Always gave a call as soon as it was over to chat about the ending. He would be so excited and in the moment. Memories of World Series and Superbowl wins. Getting that call from him saying, “They did it…Woo-hoo!!!”

Ed was a talker, and he could talk to anyone. He made lifelong friends in the neighborhood, and at old car cruise nights. Everyone would stop by his garage to see what he was working on at the time. There was always somebody there, just hanging out, and to help him work on his cars. People that he cherished as part of his family. People that he would be so proud of, as they grew up, or went thru their own lives.

He was so strong with knowledge. He was also the softest and most caring person. Always giving a hug and a shoulder to cry on. There was nothing better than knowing that he had your back. That he trusted your decisions. That he loved you.

The Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, and friend to many. He was loved dearly and will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Keith; his sons, Robert Keith, and James Keith; his daughters-in-law, Amy Keith, and Leah Tacy; his brother, David Keith, and wife Irene; his sister, Barb Sheahan, and husband Tom; his sister, Susan Long; and his sister-in-law, Carolyn Keith.

He is predeceased by his mother, Evelyn Keith; his father, Alvin Keith; his great Uncle Owen and great Aunt Pearl Boyles; his brother, Baby Alvin Riley Keith; his youngest brother, Warren Keith; and his brother-in-law, Jack Long.

Visitation will be 1PM, with services to follow at 2PM, Saturday, April 9 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be 1PM, with services to follow at 2PM, Saturday, April 9 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.