Jerry Keil        

EDMOND, Okla. — Jerry Keil unexpectedly passed away on June 2nd. He was born in Hoisington to Elsie (Keil) Herber. He grew up on a farm in Kansas, where his love of toy (farm toys) collecting began as a young boy. He loved playing baseball. He graduated from high school in Otis. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army in 1956. He enjoyed his time out of the country as he was stationed in Germany.

Soon after his return from Germany, he met, Karen, his wife of 55 years. They resided for many years in Kansas with their three children. In July of 1972, they moved to Oklahoma. They have resided in Edmond since 1973.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Karen; his three children, Mishelle (Keil) Handy and husband Rusty of Edmond, Okla., Keli (Keil) Bennett and husband Dan of Tulsa, Okla., and Jeff Keil of Edmond, Okla.; and his grandchildren, Taylor Handy, 22, and Tanner Handy, 17, both of Edmond, Okla. and Hunter Bennett, 13, and Sydney Bennett, 9, both of Tulsa, Okla. He is also survived by his Aunts Alean (Keil) Sanders, LaFern (Keil) Trent, and by his Uncle Glenn Keil and wife Helen, and Aunt Roberta Keil. Jerry was an only child and was preceded in death by his mother, Elsie; and his Uncle Lee Keil. 

He was a loving father and grandfather known as Papa. Papa loved dearly all of his children and grandchildren. They all had a lot of fun together and Papa was always available if someone needed something. He loved coaching his girls’ softball team and did so for many years. He spent many years every weekend hauling one of his daughters to numerous horse shows. More recently, with the computer and technology age and the occasional frustration it generated, Jerry appreciated spending time with his son and the help he received with any computer problems he encountered. Jerry also loved to ride along with his other daughter as she delivered wedding cakes for her business.

He was a huge pet lover. He had a Cocker Spaniel (or two) almost his entire life. He loved his friendly companion, Daisy, his Cocker Spaniel. Also, he and his granddaughter loved to play with his granddaughter’s guinea pig, Sweetie Pie. 

He had a huge love for baseball (and the St. Louis Cardinals) and grew up playing baseball and continued playing through part of his adult life fast-pitched softball. He was an avid KU Jayhawk fan. He attended several KU basketball games. He was also a K-State fan.

Jerry continued, since he was a young boy, to collect toys. After he retired, he became a huge Toy Collector. For many years, he traveled throughout many states attending toy shows. He also organized and held his own toy shows in several states. He found a lot of enjoyment in collecting. He owned Kyle Collectibles, Inc., and Jerry’s Tours.

He was a kind and giving man with a wonderful heart.  He liked to help those in need often buying gifts for those less fortunate or buying anonymously for those in need of a meal. He also liked to purchase a meal for a Veteran in recognition of their service. 

A Military Service will be held 10 a.m. on June 16, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Galatia. In lieu of flowers, direct any donations to Karen Keil for the memorial fund handled by the family.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Matthews Funeral Home and Cremation Service**

601 S. Kelly

Edmond, Ok.  73003

Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, June 8, 2014