PIERRE, SD – Keith Roger Crandell, 80 of Pierre, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025 at Highmore Health, concluding a life rich with kindness, laughter, and friendship. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at First Baptist Church with visitation an hour prior from 9:30-10:30am. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Born to his joyful parents Benjamin and Doris (Parsons) Crandell and his older brother Larry on March 17, 1945, in North Platte, NE, Keith’s life was a testament to the close-knit family ties and the value of community.

Growing up, Keith’s youth was marked by the warmth of family gatherings, full of fun and affection that would leave a lasting impression on all who were part of them. Many memories were made at Gramma Parsons’ three room house and the homes of aunts and uncles where sleeping space was wherever you could find it.

The family would eventually settle in Pierre in 1956. On Easter evening April 21, 1957, Keith and his mother were baptized into membership at First Baptist Church. Also baptised that evening were Neil and Helen Rittel and their daughter Donna. Although not officially introduced, it’s considered by some as the beginning of Keith and Donna’s love story.

With a job offer from Bert Neiber, Keith began his career as a “shoe man” at Bert’s Shoes at the age of 14, and would later own and operate The Shoe Tree, serving his customers with a smile that would brighten anyone’s day. His giving spirit was evident through his involvement with the Downtown Association and generous contributions to Thanksgiving dinners at church and Countryside Hospice Turkey and Biscuit Dinners.

The love story that quietly began in 1957 blossomed into marriage, with Keith and Donna exchanging vows on May 8, 1965, at the church where their paths first crossed. Their union was further blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Barbara, who would witness and inherit Keith’s compassionate and jovial spirit.

Keith’s culinary skills were no secret in his family, where he took pride in preparing specialties such as runzas and haloopsies along with his much-loved baked shrimp pasta and fried chicken with mashed potatoes. He nurtured his family not only with sustenance but with a hearty dose of humor and unwavering support.

Keith’s legacy continues through his devoted wife of 60 years, Donna Kay, his daughter Barbara (Roger) Rose, his grandchildren Jacob (Krystal) Miller, Rebekah (Adam) Hufford, and his four great-grandchildren Everett, Grayson, Veda, and Felix. They, along with all who knew him, celebrate a life lived with a gentle heart and an ever-present smile.

The Crandell family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Richardson and his colleagues, and the entire Highmore Health staff for their exceptional care and companionship.

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