Keith Schemmer

Keith Edward Schemmer of Kingfisher, 66, died at home on Feb. 18, 2020.

He was born in Kingfisher on June 8, 1953, to Frederick and Mary Jane (Mackey) Schemmer. He graduated from Kingfisher High School in 1971.

Keith worked for different companies over the years, primarily Pioneer Telephone, Schweitzer Gypsum & Lime, and P&K Equipment.

Growing up on a farm, Keith loved animals, anything mechanical and family.

He had an amazing gift for building or repairing almost any kind of mechanical engine or equipment. He never met a tractor he couldn’t fix.

He was a good Samaritan to many stranded travelers as well as moving and repairing and building whatever his family needed.

Many remember that he cleared ice and snow from walkways and parking lots at the old Kingfisher hospital.

The greatest example of Keith’s willingness to serve was his 24/7 care of his father during Fred’s final year.

On Feb. 25, 1987, Keith married Linda Schweitzer and they made their home in Kingfisher for nearly 33 years.

Over the years, they rescued and cared for six cocker spaniels, with Missy becoming his final and constant companion. They enjoyed attending school and community events that involved their children and grandchildren.

Keith had been active in Kingfisher in Lights and Kingfisher County American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Thanks to Linda’s hobby, he also monitored and tagged migrating monarchs.

At Christmas time, Keith carried on the “peanut brittle maker” tradition taught to him by his father, Fred, adding his own unique twists to the process.

For several years, Keith was Santa’s helper at the Kingfisher hospital’s Christmas celebration.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Janey Schemmer; one brother, David; and one grandson, Alex Schemmer.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, of the home in Kingfisher; two sons (from his first marriage to Joyce Endres Schutkesting), David Schemmer and wife Michelle of Waukomis, and Edward Schemmer and wife Amber of Kingfisher.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild; three sisters, Barbara Fisher and husband Gary of Kingfisher, Peggy Peck and husband Roy of Mustang, Ruth Schemmer of Nashville, Tenn.; and a chosen sister, Rachel McElroy of Mustang; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Kingfisher Wheatbelt Ambucs, P.O. Box 203, Kingfisher, OK 73750.

A memorial celebration under the direction of McNeil’s Funeral Service of Mustang will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 20, at the Federated Church at 400 W. Fay Ave. in Kingfisher.