Obituary of Keith Dewayne Cantrell

Keith Dewayne Cantrell, son of Johnnie & Vivian (Lewis) Cantrell, was born August 22, 1952, and passed away January 21, 2025, in Springfield, MO. Keith was united in marriage to Marilyn Jones on November 29, 1975. To this union was a ready-made family with Tonya and Bradley. Keith is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Vivian; son, Bradley; brothers, Billy and Jimmy; sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Arnold Evans. Keith is survived by his wife, Marilyn Cantrell; daughter and son-in-law, Tonya (Stanley) Huff; grandchildren, Ty Huff, and Kennedy (Glenn) Pruett; six great-grandchildren, Maddisyn, Alyvia, Whitlee, and Jensen Huff, and Paisley and Casyn Pruett. They were the light of his life. Keith is also survived by his twin brother, Kenneth (Lynnette) Cantrell; and sister-in-law, Jean Cantrell; as well as several nephews and nieces. Keith proudly served in the Army National Guard with an Honorable Discharge. Keith committed his time to the City of Licking as a reserve police officer, later being employed and retiring from Intercounty Electric after 26 years. After his retirement, his love for the citizens of Licking inspired him to make a difference, so he ran and was elected City Alderman. He served in that position for ten years before becoming Mayor in 2015 and served until his time of passing. He enjoyed serving the citizens of Licking, as well as the adventures of being Mayor. He especially loved his “city work family”. Keith is a member of the New Life Freewill Baptist Church, where he attended faithfully. Even though we won’t be able to see him on this earth, his last wishes were to be an organ donor. With his generous heart for the gift of life, he will live on through those gifts. He was always that person who tried to put the interest of others first. His absence will leave a deep void in our lives. He was deeply loved and appreciated and will be greatly missed. A visitation for Keith will take place Friday, January 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Fox Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at Fox Funeral Home. A burial will follow in Boone Creek Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, National Kidney Foundation, or the charity of one’s choice.