Keith Wayne Young passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026 at the age of 84. He was surrounded by the love of his wife and family.

Keith was born in Paola, Kansas, on September 21, 1941. He spent his early years in rural Kansas near Fontana before moving to a farm in Kansas City, Kansas. Growing up in a close‑knit family, he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and humility. He loved playing sports and games with his brother and cousins, and his enthusiasm for athletics stayed with him throughout his life.

In 1959, Keith married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Long. Their marriage lasted 66 years and stood as a testament to devotion, partnership, and enduring affection. Together, they raised a family and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and shared purpose. Keith was a father, grandfather, and great‑grandfather whose gentle presence and dependable nature shaped generations.

Keith graduated from Washington High School in 1959, where he became the intramural ping pong champion. He also developed a passion for fastpitch softball, a sport he continued to play competitively until the age of 47. During high school, he worked weekends at The Kansas City Star, beginning a lifelong pattern of diligence and reliability.

In the fall of 1959, Keith joined the Army Reserves and served for three and a half years. After completing his service, he continued building a life rooted in commitment and contribution. Over the years, he worked full‑time at The Kansas City Star and later at Meyer Dairy and Fairmont Dairy. No matter the job, Keith approached his work with quiet pride, consistency, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Keith lived a life rich with interests and experiences. He was an avid Kansas City Royals and Chiefs fan. He loved coaching youth baseball and basketball, snow skiing with his grandkids, water skiing with his children and their friends, building and renovating his houses, golfing with his buddies, and tending to his yard. He enjoyed traveling and learning about other cultures, visiting all 50 states and six continents. His favorite trips included Hawaii and an African wildlife conservation safari. He was an animal lover through and through, with a special fondness for dogs, cats, and horses. More than anything, Keith cherished time with his family and the simple joy of being together. He was deeply generous to his community and welcoming to everyone he met. He lived with integrity, order, and care.

Later in life, Keith faced significant health challenges with remarkable resilience. His liver transplant granted him nearly 20 additional years filled with family, friendships, golf outings, travels, and countless ice cream cones. His courage and determination during that chapter became one of the clearest reflections of his character. In honor of Keith's life and legacy, the family invites you to consider registering as an organ donor. Your gift could mean the world to another family, just as it did to ours.

Keith is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Young; his daughter, Kathy Young Kehr (Bill); his daughter‑in‑law, Jeri Young; his grandchildren, Caroline Kehr Parker (Chris), Christian Kehr (Lindsey), Vanessa Kehr Searl (Jason), Dylan Young (Ali), and Jessica Young (Mak); and his great‑grandchildren, Hugh Parker, Ivy Parker, Georgia Parker, and Olivia Young. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Evelyn Young; his brother, Steve Young; his son, Kurt Young; and many dear friends and family members whose memories he carried throughout his life.

Keith's legacy lives on in the kindness he showed, the love he gave, and the calm, reassuring way he moved through the world. As we say goodbye, we imagine him going to heaven with the easy grace of an old Elvis tune, love in his heart and peace in his steps.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 7, 2026, at the Falcon Lakes Clubhouse from 2:00–5:00 pm. A tribute program will begin at 2:15 pm.

A memorial has been established to honor Keith's life and legacy at League 42 Youth Baseball Foundation.

League 42 Foundation

1212 East 17th Street North

Wichita, KS 67214

www.league42.org