Keith Rodney Smith of Owasso, Oklahoma, went home to be with his Lord on June 21, 2024 at the age of 84.
Keith was born January 5, 1940 in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Robert Lloyd and Katherine Anna (Heintz) Smith. He was married to VonDean June (Tiede) Johnson of Mitchell, South Dakota, on October 27, 1968. They have two children, Rev. Steven D. Johnson and Susan (Smith) Hendricks.
In his professional career, Keith graduated in 1963 from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He then worked 15 years as a Registered Professional Engineer for the South Dakota Department of Transportation in Pierre, SD participating in the design of bridges for the new Interstate Highway System in South Dakota.
In 1978 the Lord called Keith to Graduate Seminary at Oral Roberts University where he worked as a professional computer programmer for four years while earning the Master of Divinity degree in 1983. After graduation, he went to work as a Professional Engineer for the City of Tulsa, OK, serving 22 years as a Senior Transportation Engineer for the Transportation Design Section, Engineering Services Division, Public Works Department, from which he retired in 2006.
Keith served 11 years in the 147th Field Artillery Group, South Dakota Army Reserve National Guard (SDARNG) from 1956 until 1967, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class (E7). During his last three years of service he was a member of the South Dakota National Guard High Power Rifle Team ranking as an NRA Master Rifleman armed with the 7.65mm (.30 Cal) M-14 National Match Rifle and competing at the national level at the National Rifle and Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.
Keith enjoyed flying general aviation aircraft, shooting, photography, archery, computers, studying ancient literature and theology and writing for publication. In 2010, he published a novel entitled " The Storm Before The Calm: America And Israel At The End Of Days"
The Smiths were 35 35-year members of First United Methodist Church of Tulsa where Keith taught Adult Sunday School classes for a number of years. In 2018 they joined Owasso First Assembly of God Church in Owasso, OK.
Keith is survived by his wife, VonDean, stepson Rev. Steve Johnson (Artie) of Broken Arrow, Ok., daughter Susan(Smith) Hendricks of Tulsa, plus two grandson, Benjamin Johnson of Nash, Tx., and Luke (Sarah) Johnson of Tulsa, Ok, three granddaughters Carissa(Johnson) (Nic) Proverud of Tulsa, Chloe Hendricks and Sophie Hendricks, of Tulsa a great-grandson, Ezra Johnson, 2 great-granddaughters Ember and Camryn Poverud plus many nieces and nephews in Minneapolis and River Falls, Wisconsin. Keith was preceded in death by his parents. Three brothers, Alan and Louis both of Minneapolis, MN, Robert of River Falls, Wisconsin, as well as a half brother, Robert Hallock "Hal" Smith and a half sister, Florence, both of Henderson, Nevada.
Favorite Music: "Go Rest High On Theat Mountain" By Vince Gill "I Am Bound For The Promised Land" Traditonal and "Mansion Builder" by The Second Chapter Of Acts.