Keith Darrell Kohler

Aug. 23, 1926-April 20, 2016

Keith Darrell Kohler died Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the age of 89 years, 7 months and 27 days.

Keith and twin sister, Kathleen, were born Aug. 23, 1926, to Harry and Arleta (Muck) Kohler. 

Keith joined the Navy on Dec. 11, 1944, at age 18, serving on the USS Stokes, AKA 68, and honorably discharged on July 7, 1946. He received the Victory Medal and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

Keith returned to Beloit, Kansas, and married Pauline Bean.  They had three children, Pam, Lanny and Kevin.

Keith was a carpenter, specializing in cabinetry, and also farmed along with his dad, Harry.

Keith moved to Cripple Creek, Colo., in 1972 to live in the wide open spaces with his horses. Keith moved to Homer in the 1980s to fulfill the dream he’d had since in the Navy while anchored off the coast of Homer.

In November 2014, Keith moved back to Kansas to be closer to family as his health began to deteriorate.

Keith was proceeded in death by his parents, Harry L. and Arleta C. (Muck) Kohler; brother, Lendon Kohler, and sister, Ila Fern Alberts.

Keith is survived by three children, Pam Wessling and husband, John Paul, of Sacramento, Calif., Lanny Kohler and wife Lynn, of Salina, Kan., and Kevin Kohler, of Dallas, Ore.; four grandsons, Chad Wessling and wife, Camille, and Jermery Wessling, all of Sacramento; Joshua Kohler and wife Alison, of Oceanside, N.Y., and Cody Kohler and wife Christy of Salina; and five great grandchildren, Chase, Alexis and Dylan Wessling and Nick, Kenadee and Harper Kohler. Also surviving are two sisters, Betty Drake of Florida and twin sister Kathleen Graber of Wichita, Kan.

Cremation has been chosen. A private family memorial was held Monday, May 30, 2016, at Glenwood Cemetery, Glen Elder, Kan. Condolences may be sent to the family at 511 W. Republic Avenue, Salina, KS 67401.