Keith Oney

Early on the morning of November 19, 2023, Keith passed after complications from Chronic Lymphoma Leukemia (CLL) due to Agent Orange exposure. Keith was born in New London, Ohio on July 19, 1952, to Ernest, a blacksmith, and Verlie (Case), a homemaker and factory worker, Oney.  Keith attended New London schools graduating from high school and EHOVE vocational school in June 1970.  Feeling a strong need to serve his country, he enlisted in the Army and began Basic Training in September 1970 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He then deployed to Vietnam and completed Airborne Ranger school.  He served as a Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) for the G 75th Airborne Rangers.  His last 18 months in service were spent at Fort Riley, Kansas before being honorably discharged in September 1973. It was during this time that he made friends in the Alma area.

Once he returned to civilian life, he worked various jobs in Nebraska, Ohio and Kansas.  Then Keith made the move to California to work with his brother, Buddy, in his auto repair shop in Santa Ana.

Three years after Keith met LaNelle Wegner in Lincoln, Nebraska, they were married in Las Vegas on July 3, 1978.  After spending several years in Ohio and then Nebraska, Keith and LaNelle settled in Alma in early 1982 with their 5-month-old son, Brian.

Keith worked as an ASE-certified auto mechanic at various dealerships and independently owned shops in the Junction City-Manhattan-Topeka area.  He spent the last 16 years of his working career at the Kansas Turnpike Authority, retiring in 2009.  He’d often tell others that “he worked on everything from weed-eaters to bulldozers.”

His daughter Kayla was born in January 1986, and completed his family, saying he “got his boy and his girl.” Keith will be remembered as mentoring local youth through Kansas Hunter and Fur Harvester Education classes.  Summer family vacations to visit relatives, go camping, see historic sites, attend Airborne Ranger reunions and trapping conventions were enjoyed and the source of many family memories.  He taught Brian and Kayla to drive stick shift; to fish; and to hunt as well as to problem-solve and take initiative. His strong work ethic and appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors was passed onto his kids.

Keith had an uncanny knowledge about everything that was mechanical related to vehicles.  Often, he would be able to diagnose a problem without even seeing the vehicle.  For many years, he loved being outdoors to hunt and trap and tinker with vehicles. He enjoyed driving stock cars and late models on local dirt tracks—even racing with Clint Bowyer.  He was also a collector of NASCAR memorabilia and Dale Earnhardt, antiques, coins, tools, cars, trucks, jewelry, traps, guns—you name it, he probably acquired it.  

After being diagnosed with CLL, Keith’s wife LaNelle became his fulltime caregiver. Even though they spent many days at doctor’s appointments and treatments, they also made time to travel to visit friends and family in multiple states.  Keith’s grandchildren were the highlight of his final 15 years of life, and they all affectionately referred to him as “Papa.”  Keith enjoyed having his family at home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. He especially enjoyed giving gifts. It brought Keith great joy seeing each person’s appreciation for the gifts he hand-picked.

Keith was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Airborne Rangers, National Rifle Association (lifetime), National Trapper’s Association, Fur Takers of America, North American Trap Collectors Association, International Black Powder Hunting Association, Kansas Fur Harvesters, Museum of the Fur Trade, and the Model A Ford Club.

Surviving Keith is his wife of 45 years LaNelle;  children--Brian (Stacey) Trophy Club, TX and Kayla (Johnathan) Savage of St. George; grandchildren—Sophia, Connor, Ainsley and Colin Oney and Cooper, Owen Savage; Aunt AnnaLea (Clinton “Tiny”) Clark of Tampa, FL; brother-in-law--Fred; sisters-in-law—Sandy, Millie, Tracey; nephews—Bill and Don, Jr. and nieces—Sherry, Jenny, Katie and Mandy.

Preceding him in death were his parents; siblings—Tina Inscho, Bill (Buddy) Oney, Don Oney, Roy Oney and grandson, Marv Oney Savage; great nephew, Brian Oney.  

The family would like to thank the Alma EMTs, First Responders, AMR and Fire departments who helped with lift assists, medical treatments and transports while Keith resided at home.  Our sincere appreciation also goes to the VA staff and Blue Team—Drs. Susan Brosa, James Cowan, Hospitalist Dana Hogan, Dr. Sam Bradshaw, Oncology nurses—Jayne, Maureen and Lisa; and the staff at Cotton-O’Neil Cancer Center—Dr. Einspahr, Lisa, Scott, Jamie and social worker, Amy. We also want to thank Phoenix in-home care and Hospice staff for their compassion in Keith’s final days.