Leslie Keith

Leslie J Keith of Plainwell MI passed away on Saturday August 3, 2024, at the age of 94. He was born to Ray and Hattie (Bucknell) Keith on the family farm on November 6th, 1929. Les was the youngest of 5 siblings, 3 brothers, David Keith, Floyd Keith and Charles Keith and a sister Marie Radcliff. He grew up on a farm in a time much different from today, learning to work with his hands, to build and repair and appreciate what they had. He never lost his love of creating and restoring things or his appreciation and value of simple things. 

He met his future wife Lois (VanderRoest) prior to entering and serving in the Air Force. When he returned from the service they married, beginning their lifelong journey together in 1953. They moved to the Lansing area, and he attended Michigan State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He subsequently became a computer technician at the University and was part of the team that created and maintained their first computer main frame. 

Les and Lois raised 3 children, Ronald (Gail) Keith, Marcia Keith, and Michael (Stephanie) Keith. Les loved spending time with his grandchildren, Sarah (Keith) Taylor, Stephen (Johanna) Keith, Matthew (Leanna) Keith, Rachel (Matthew) Woods, and Hadley Keith and great grandchildren Elsie Keith, Joshua Taylor, Jonathan Keith, Jordan Taylor, Margo Woods and Ryker Keith. 

Les had a love of history, antiques, restoring furniture and gardening. He loved to share the bounty of his gardens with his family and friends around him. He loved the outdoors and traveling and looked forward to the summer trips taking his family camping all over the U.S. and even Canada. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren on similar trips as well. 

Les loved church and community. He traveled to serve on several mission trips and was always one of the first to help those in need. He ran a church youth program and served as a church deacon most of his life. He lived as a servant of God.

When Les retired he returned to the family farm where he was born, restoring the house together with his patient wife, Lois. He returned to his love of history, building, and renewing. He became well known for his beautiful Iris collection as well as his strawberry patch and rhubarb!

Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother: Lester who passed at birth, his brothers and sister, several nieces and nephews and his loving wife of 68 years.

In accordance with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080 on Friday, August 16, 2024, with a time for visiting beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Leslie’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Keith family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881.