Howard K. Ousley

Howard “Keith” Ousley, 59, of Madison, Missouri formally of Jefferson City, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022, unexpectedly at University of Missouri Hospital surrounded by his family.

Keith was born on October 7, 1962, in Waukegan, Illinois on a United States Navy Base. Keith was born to John Howard Ousley and Dorothy Mae Smith Ousley who both proceeded him in death. Keith’s father, John, was a Master Chief in the United States Navy. Keith was granted the privilege to see the United States by living on several military bases throughout his childhood.

Keith graduated from Jefferson City high school in 1980. He attended Lincoln University majoring in computer science. Keith was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rhonda Jean Reynolds Ousley in Morrison, Missouri on August 15, 1987. Rhonda survives at their home in Madison.

Keith had a servant’s heart. He was a member of the United States Army. He served as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic. He continued giving even after his passing by being an organ and tissue donor. Through this gift, he was able to help 50 to 70 individuals.

Keith is survived by his three loving daughters who were the light of his life. Cheri (Paul) Kirsch of Jefferson City, Missouri, Kelsey (Len Hong) Ousley of Holts Summit, Missouri, and Kimberly (Corey) Ketchem of Madison, Missouri. Keith lived his life for his kids. He was very involved in his girls’ sports and extracurricular actives. You could aways find him on a volleyball or basketball court or a soccer field. He was the dad who volunteered for class field trips, chaperoned school dances, and kept the books at their ballgames.

After his daughters grew up, Keith became a proud grandpa to six beautiful grandchildren. Sion, John, and Athan, children of Cheri and Paul Kirsch. A few years later he was blessed with three more: Caiden, Brynlee, and Charlee, children of Kimberly and Corey Ketchem. There was no prouder grandpa than Keith. He loved his grandbabies and often referred to them as his “greatest accomplishment.” Keith was so devoted to his grandchildren that he ended up becoming a “stay at home” grandpa for Caiden, Brynlee, and Charlee up until his passing.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be held Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Pathway Millard Family Funeral Chapel in Moberly, Missouri. Friends and family will be received starting at 11:00 A.M with a service following at 1:00 P.M.

Keith touched the lives of so many people. Our family is overwhelmed with all the messages of people who knew him speaking of his kindness and giving spirit. We are incredibly grateful for the time that we did have with him and will hold on to the memories forever. Keith’s passing was very sudden and unexpected. We will honor his memory by extending kindness and love to others just as he would have done.

Arrangements are under the direction of PATHWAY-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, Missouri 65270 (660) 263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.