Keith Humphrey

David Keith Humphrey, 60, of Stillwater passed from this life on Monday June 11, 2012 with his family by his side. Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home of Stillwater and will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home Chapel.
Keith was born on October 31, 1951 to Boyce LeRoy and Betty Jane Humphrey in Winston Salem, NC. He grew up and attended grade school in Kernersville, NC. When he was 10 yrs old his family relocated to El Paso, TX, where Keith graduated from Irvin High School. After graduation, Keith enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Netherlands. He served in both the Vietnam War and as a communication specialist for NATO throughout Europe.
Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to North Carolina where he found a passion for firefighting. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter in Kernersville, NC while obtaining his Associate's Degree in Fire Science Technology from the Forsyth Technical Institute.
In 1978, Keith moved to Stillwater, OK to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Protection and Safety Technology at Oklahoma State University. Following his graduation, he worked for several years for the Oklahoma State University Safety Department.
While at OSU, Keith met the love of his life and his wife for more than 26 years, Margaret Betts. In 1984, Keith accepted a position as a Fire Protection Engineer with ConocoPhillips in Ponca City, OK where he remained employed until his passing. In 1995, Keith and Margaret had a son, Andrew, who became Keiths main focus and best friend. Keith never overlooked his responsibility to be a great father and always prioritized his relationship with Margaret and Andrew over work and hobbies.
He was a long-time storm spotter and volunteer for the Stillwater Emergency Coordination and Communication Center. He was also a member of the OSU Fire Protection Alumni Association, as well as the Stillwater Rifle and Pistol Club.
Keith Humphrey was a practical joker who loved living life. He was always up for an adventure and was an open-minded and loyal friend. He took his civic responsibility very seriously and he never missed the opportunity to vote in any and every election, from presidency to local school boards. Keith was a dedicated father, a caring husband, a mischievous brother, and a reliable public servant. Highway 177 North will not be same without Keith being available to stop and help any stranded motorist on the side of the road. Keiths life could best be summarized by the phrase "anything, for anyone, anytime.
David Keith Humphrey was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Betts and his son, Andrew Graeme Humphrey, both of Stillwater, OK. Two sisters: Nadine Humphrey Atkins of Stillwater, OK and Annette Humphrey Marshall and husband Dennis, of Garland, TX. Four nieces and nephews: Josh and Nathan Atkins of North Carolina and Christi and BJ Marshall of Garland, TX. One great nephew: Hyde Atkins, of North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Keiths name to Judith Karman Hospice or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.