Charles Michael “Mike” Keith, of Clinton, Missouri, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026 at the age of 82.
Born on December 13th, 1943 in Clinton, MO to James and Ruth (Jones) Keith, Mike was raised in Clinton, Missouri, and graduated from Clinton High School in 1961. His love for athletics began when he was recruited to play football his sophomore year of high school and continued after high school playing football at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO where he earned his education degree in 1965. In 1966, Mike began his insurance career and in over nearly the six decades he was in the industry, Mike earned countless awards and the deep respect of his peers, employees, and community.
Mike held a deep dedication to the Clinton community that extended far beyond his professional life. Mike supported and served countless organizations, including Rotary, Elks, Sunrise Optimist, Chamber of Commerce, FFA, 4-H, Boy Scouts, CMSU Mule Train, and First Baptist Church. He was recently recognized as Clinton’s Citizen of the Year—an acknowledgment of a lifetime devoted to service, leadership, and hometown pride.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Karen Keith of Clinton; his stepchildren, Christian (Sibyl) DeLozier and Stephanie DeLozier Hegarty of Clinton Missouri; his three sons, Brad Keith, Aaron Keith, and Ryan Keith of Clinton Missouri; and his sister Kathy Wood of Clinton Missouri; 9 grandchildren, Micheal Keith, Ryan Keith Jr., Collin Keith, Katie Ruyn (Keith), Jack Cooper, Olivia Cooper, Hadley DeLozier, Hollis DeLozier, Harlow DeLozer; two nieces, 1 great nephew and 1 great niece. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Mike’s life stands as a testament to faith, hard work, resilience, and gratitude. The community he served so faithfully will forever be grateful for the opportunities he created and the example he set. He will be missed by many.
Funeral services were held March 6, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Clinton with Pastor Pat Findley officiating. The casket bearers were Jackson Cooper, Michael Keith, Tom Duncan, Ryan Keith, Jr., John Hunter and Collin Keith. Gus Wetzel, Gene Henry, Paul Barbee, Ivan Oestreich, Jim Smith, Don Ross, Keith Ross and Tim Glasscock were honorary bearers. Tony Bullock sang "Where No One Stands Alone, Come Jesus Come and It Is Well with My Soul," with Scott Brooks as pianist. Interment followed in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
