Keith Jones

Ossian Russell Keith Jones was born on June 20, 1940, in Springfield, Illinois to O. Russell and Florence (Gumm) Jones. His early years were spent in Las Alamos, New Mexico where his father was stationed in the military while the Manhattan Project was underway with the development of the atomic bomb. After his parents divorced he and his mother returned to the family farm in Paris, Illinois where he attended a one-room school and grew up.

He attended Eastern Illinois University and received a BS in social science and speech/theatre. He was married to Joann Cummins and from that union a daughter, Heather, was born. They were later divorced. He earned an MA degree in speech/theatre from the University of Illinois. He also took additional courses in television and theatre directing, voice training, auctioneer training, and television broadcasting. He served in the Indiana Air Force National Guard and Reserves in the mid-1960s.

His teaching career began in Paxton (Illinois) High School in 1963, before moving on to the University of Wisconsin/Stout, Minneapolis (Minnesota) Community College, Central Wyoming College, and Lake Superior (Duluth, Minnesota) Community College. His teaching and directing skills positively impacted many students and adults.

In Minneapolis, he became interested in bicycling and rode on several long rides around the city and other organized rides. He was an avid fan of the BIG 10 college athletic conference, especially if his ‘Fighting Illini’ were playing.

While at CWC in Riverton, Keith met Patricia (Wilson) Sturdevant. They later married and became biking companions throughout parts of Illinois and Minnesota.

Keith was a student of the Urantia Book and strove to follow Jesus Christ in his dealings with those he came in contact with. After both Keith and Pat retired, they moved to Sheridan where he directed several plays at the Carriage House Theatre. They also traveled extensively throughout the United States.

He is survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Heather (Jef Schnitzler) Jones (Marshfield, Wisconsin), two grandchildren, Megan (Adam) Boldig and five great-grandsons (Altoona, Wisconsin) and Kyle (Stephanie) Rasmussen, and three great-grandsons (Marshfield, Wisconsin). He is also survived by Pat’s three children and her four siblings.

 A memorial service for Keith will be held at 11 am on Friday, July 28, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church in Sheridan with Rev. Jim Barth officiating. A light lunch will be served in the church’s Fellowship Hall immediately following the services. Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements. Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.