After fighting a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease, Keith Robert Wicks died peacefully in his home in Springfield, Missouri, on Thursday, August 29th, 2019, at the age of 81.  Keith was born on December 8th, 1937 in Cresco, Iowa to Roscoe and Olive Wicks. He grew up on the family farm east of Prosper, Iowa, where he attended State Line Country School.   After his father's death when Keith was 11 years old, he and his mother moved to Mable, Minnesota.  He graduated there from Mable High School in 1955, and then joined the army on May 1 ^st , 1956.   At the beginning of his service, he attended the Signal Corps School where he became a teletype equipment technician, and then completed most of his service in Japan. He left the military in 1959, at the age of 22.   Keith then moved to Cedar Rapids to work for the Friden Company, where he took pride in fixing an assortment of Friden mechanical machines. On October 6th, 1963, Keith was united in marriage with his soulmate, and the love of his life, Patsy Coder, the daughter of John and Bernice Coder.

While living in Cedar Rapids in 1970, Keith endeavored into business with his nephews, Gene and Jerry Knox. They successfully ran a chain of rental stores called Best Rental Centers.  Many happy years were spent there working with family.   In 1982 Keith and Pat moved with their children to Springfield, Missouri where he worked at Reckitt Benckiser until his retirement in 2003.  Keith and Pat made a beautiful life together in the Ozarks, where they lovingly raised their two children and ultimately enjoyed 55 years of marriage.  Keith cherished the many friendships he made throughout his various life experiences and was grateful for the memories made.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Wicks; daughter Teresa (John) Pierpont of Springfield, Missouri; son Matthew (Kimberly) Wicks of St. Charles, Missouri; 3 grandchildren, Annie Pierpont, Sarah Wicks, and Benjamin Wicks; and many beloved extended family members.

He was preceded in death by parents Roscoe and Olive Wicks; sister Frances Knox; brothers Stanley Wicks and Paul Wicks; 3 nephews Jim Knox, Jerry Knox and Gene (Joyce) Knox.

A service is scheduled Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Family will greet friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Greater MO Chapter, 3645 South Ave, Springfield, MO 65807.