Keith Douglas Strope, 66, Morrison, ended his short battle with cancer the morning of Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, with family by his side.
He was born Oct. 11, 1959, to the late Helen (Troesser) and Johnny Lee Strope of Linn.
He was united in marriage to Brenda Kay Parkhurst March 29,1980. Together they managed to raise four acceptably, functional adults, as well as being “adopted” by many of their children’s friends.
Keith was a 1979 graduate of Linn High School.
He spent most of his career as an over-the-road truck driver until retiring in 2021 and finally having time to devote to his true passion, woodworking.
Keith often went to craft shows and had a booth at the Old School Antique Mall in Linn. His family and friends were known to end up with some of his “practice” pieces, and if there was a fundraiser, he was always willing to donate.
He was a “jack-of-all-trades” and a “master-of-none”. The sheer amount of ingenuity and creativity the man could show with a Mountain Dew bottle, baling twine and a wire coat hanger is still spoken about to this day.
Keith enjoyed camping, restoring classic cars, watching westerns, riding his motorcycle, building and restoring furniture, cheering for the Chiefs, and spending time with his friends and family (especially his grandkids).
He was met by wife, Brenda; parents, Helen and Johnny; beloved brother, Rodney; beloved sisters-in-law, Bridgett Parkhurst and Colleen Strope; and beloved brother-in-law, Paul Parkhurst.
Keith will be waiting for his children, Jason Strope and friend Sarah Schaefer, Amanda (Strope) Ryan and Emily Strope, all of Jefferson City, Wesley and Jessica (Elkins) Strope of Union and all their friends who adopted him over the years; grandchildren, Jolie, Jeremy, Morgan, Christian, Kylie, Rebecca, Joshua, Brooks, Henry and Kaydence; great-grandson, Aaron; siblings, Grege Strope and wife Ruth, Jeff Strope, Dana Strope, Yvonne Haslag and husband Dale, Kim Kever and husband Larry and Stephanie Eichholz and husband Richard; as well as too many nieces, nephews and cousins to possibly keep track of.
Visitation is being held from 4 until 7 p.m., (today) Wednesday, Dec. 3, followed by the funeral service at Morton Chapel in Linn with Dan Hostetler officiating.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Strope family.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
