Keith Haskell Sims

Keith Haskell Sims, 95, was born on May 18, 1929, in Howard, Kansas. He passed away June 4, 2024, in Newton, Kansas with family by his side. He was born to Charles and Theresa (Jontra) Sims. 

Keith served with the United States Army stateside and in Guam. Returning home, he went to work for Beech Aircraft, retiring after 40 years, and then worked for Sacks Cab Company. 

Keith was a master woodcrafter, taking a plain piece of wood and turning it into a beautiful creation. He loved watching John Wayne westerns and Nascar races. He was known as Mr. Fix it. He loved hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family and friends. 

Keith was a man of unwavering faith and dedication, serving at First Christian Church in Newton, KS, for 54 years. He loved, lived, and cared for his family. 

Keith was survived by four daughters, Pamela (Michael) Whalen, Annette (Ron) Allee, Elizabeth (Paul) Jordan, and Irene (Raymond) Stapleford; and one son, David (Victoria) Haviland; grandchildren, John (Stephanie), Christopher (Amanda), Adam (Tiffany), Joseph (Gillian), Stacey (CJ), Nicole (Brandon, Seth, Sarah (Tony), Jessica, Brandon (Shelby), Steven (Haley), Garrett, Kameran, Katheryn (Brandon), Austin, Alyssa, Alex, Logan, Aaliyah, Alexis, Ziva, Javier, Christopher Jr., Juliana, Stacey, Ashlynn, Ezra, Bjorn, Ellie, Brooks, Cooper, Karter.

Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Sims; his parents, Charles and Theresa Sims; his sister, Dorothy Myers; two sons, Michael and Gary Haviland; one daughter-in-love, Phyllis Haviland; and one great-granddaughter, Kinsie Grace Whalen. 

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Monday, June 10, 2024, at Petersen Funeral Home. The funeral service is at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the funeral home, with a graveside following at Greenwood Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions in Keith’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior project and left with Petersen Funeral Home.