Bud Keith

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Alfred Felix “Bud” Keith, 88, of Anderson, Missouri, departed this life on Sunday evening, May 3, 2026, at Grand Lake Villa in Grove, Oklahoma, from complications of a recent stroke.

Bud was born on January 21, 1938, in Granby, Missouri, the second eldest of seven children born to the late Al and Bonnie (Arnold) Keith. His father worked on the pipeline, and as a result, the family lived in 36 states by the time Bud was 16 years old. He graduated from Southwest City High School in 1955 and, following high school, enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country with honor.

After his discharge from the Navy, Bud returned to the family farm in Anderson. On August 27, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Harris, and two sons were born to this union. Bud later worked for Farmers Chemical in Joplin before obtaining his insurance license. For several years, he served as the Farmers Insurance agent in Neosho, and during that time he attended MSSC in Joplin, where he earned a master’s degree in business. In 1982, Bud and Sue moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he enrolled at Oral Roberts University and received a master’s degree in divinity. He later pastored a church in Connecticut for a few years before the couple moved to Lowell, Arkansas, in 1989. There, he pastored some churches in Northwest Arkansas and began a 25-year career with Wal-Mart, from which he retired in 2010, as claims manager. After retirement, Bud enjoyed pastoring & working with numerous local churches, as well as arranging gospel singings around the area.

Bud lived a life marked by faith, hard work, and devotion to his family. He was a longtime member of Victory Road Church. In 1965 Bud, along with his brothers and sister Carrie started Keith Brothers Quartet, traveling and singing through numerous states. He found joy in hunting, fishing, rodeo’s, his grandchildren, reading, traveling, gospel singings, western movies, Cardinal baseball and Kansas City Chiefs football. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence, his warm spirit, and the many ways he shared his love for others throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-six blessed years, Carolyn Sue Keith; a son, Randy Keith and his wife, Melissa, of Anderson; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Keith, of Berryville, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Kylie Hunt and her husband, Sean, Hailey Gilmore and her husband, Jeff, Oliva Writer and her husband, Anthony, Makayla Keith, and Levi Keith; one great-granddaughter, Ada Writer; four brothers, Roland Keith and his wife, Joan, of Anderson, Ron Keith and his wife, Judy, of Anderson, Ed Keith and his wife, Judy, of Joplin, and Ted Keith and his wife, Brenda, of Grove; as well as a host of other family members and friends. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Bonnie Keith; a son, Alfred T. “Bud” Keith; two siblings, Carrie Denker and David Keith; and a nephew, Stan Keith.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2026 at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri with Pastor Roland Keith officiating. Burial will follow at Peace Valley Cemetery in Anderson. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Levi Keith, Whitley Nipp, Sean Hunt, Anthony Writer and Moni Keith with Rich, David, Brandon and Jon Keith serving as honorary. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday in the funeral home chapel. Arrangement are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.