HOISINGTON — Keith R. Wilborn, 73, passed away December 16, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born February 4, 1948, in Hoisington, to Emerett and Vera (Harzman) Wilborn. Keith married Miriam Schremmer July 20, 1968, in Hoisington. They shared over 50 years of marriage before Miriam passed away on Nov. 4, 2018.
Survivors include children, Brian (Cindy) Wilborn of Hoisington, Krista (Ben) Brewer of Hoisington and Kari (Chad) Bloomer of Ottawa; ten grandchildren, Hannah (Colton) Lagerman of Atlanta, GA, Madison (Hunter) Hanzlick of Inman, Nolan Wilborn of Hoisington, Avery Brewer and Livvy Brewer of Hoisington, Chandler Bloomer, Chase Bloomer and Boston Bloomer of Ottawa; and one brother, Rick (Pam) Wilborn of McPherson. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two nephews, and in-laws.
Keith attended a one-room schoolhouse in Verbeck District, Susank elementary school, Hoisington High School graduating with the class of 1966. Keith went on to attend Fort Hays State from 1966 to 1968.
Keith enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves in March 1968. He became active-duty status July 1968 and attended boot camp at USN recruit depot in San Diego, CA from July to October 1968. First Duty station was at the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA as a hospital corpsman from October 1968 to September 1969. His second service duty assignment was to Commander in Chief of the Pacific under the command of Admiral John S. McCain, Sr. and to the 3rd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force Pacific Headquarters. This was started after completion of Field Medical School at Camp Pendleton, CA from September 1969 until being honorably discharged from the United States Navy in July 1972.
He then attended Wichita State University and was a graduate in the first Physician Assistant class in January 1975.
Keith and Miriam then moved to Oberlin, KS where Keith worked as a Physician’s Assistant for Decatur County Hospital from 1975 until 1982. They then moved back home to Hoisington in June 1982. Keith began working for Mutual of New York Insurance and eventually worked for Clara Barton Clinic as Vice President of Clinic Operations until his retirement in 2013.
Keith’s civic and community interests included Lions Club, Jaycees, Hoisington Chamber volunteer, Clara Barton Hospital Board member, and Smoky Hills Public TV Board of Directors member. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time in the country and his daily ag tours. Keith was also a big supporter of his grandchildren in both their academic and athletic accomplishments.
Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2021, with family to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m., and Vigil and Rosary at 7 p.m., all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 22, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Anselm Eke. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Kans for Kids, The Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, or St John Catholic Cemetery, c/o Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
P.O. Box 146; 415 N. Main
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 19, 2021
