William Keith Heyl

William Keith Heyl, 94, retired manager of The Kaw Theater prior to its closing, passed away September 12, 2009 at The Valley View Professional Care Center. Keith, son of Andrew and Nellie Heyl, was born in Wakeeney, Kansas August 27, 1915. He attended school there and also lived in Blackwell, Oklahoma and Wichita, Kansas for a brief time. He graduated from Trego Community High School and was always proud of being a "Golden Eagle".

In 1934 he moved to Junction City where he spent the rest of his long life. He attended Baker University and then worked at The Kaw Theater for 37 years. On October 6, 1938 Keith married LaVerne Marie Cooper in The First Methodist Church in Junction City. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last year.

Keith was a member of The First United Methodist Church, a charter member of The Junior Chamber of Commerce, and also a member of The Lions Club. An avid golfer for 60 years, Keith had been a member of The Junction City Country Club since 1935. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and baseball. Keith was one of a group that started Little League Baseball in Junction City and coached several teams. He was also a member of The Masons since 1944.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Keith also will be remembered for his love of people and pets and his sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife, LaVerne, of the home; his daughter, Penelope Moss (Max), Wichita, KS; his son, Andrew Heyl (Dixie), Steamboat Springs, CO; granddaughter Susan Byram Hayes (Dan), Phoenixville, PA; granddaughter Heather Moss Kopecky (Paul), Leawood, KS; granddaughter Allison Moss Meeds (Trenton), Derby, KS ; Rob Kurtz, Basalt, CO; and Sherri Jones (Ceri) Steamboat Springs; and great-grandchildren Erin and Caimin Hayes; Kyle and Faith Kopecky; Calvin and Gabrielle Meeds; Alexandra Kurtz; and Dylan and Carys Jones. He also has a younger sister, Barbara Hoyle, (Eldon) who lives in Junction City and five nieces and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Chloris Killian and nephew, Charles (Skip) Killian of Junction City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with The First United Methodist Church in Junction City and the Keith Heyl Scholarship for Little League.

Memorial services will be held September 24th at The First United Methodist Church in Junction City at 2 PM. A reception will be held afterwards in the church parlor. A private burial will be held at The Highland Cemetery following the reception.

Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with service arrangements.