Keith Dempton

On Wednesday, June 10, 2020, Keith W. Dempton, of Lee's Summit, MO, age 70, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after a long and valiant battle with cancer.  He was born April 14,1950 to Clayton M. Dempton and Constance E. Chapman in Kansas City, MO.  He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Irene Dempton (Montelongo), his daughters; Stephanie Hultberg of Laguna Woods, CA , Christine Lay and her husband John, of Coffeyville, KS, his son Aaron and his wife Anna, of Jack's Creek, TN and stepsons Gabe Sells of Raytown, MO and Alex Sells of Lee's Summit, MO;  grandchildren CJ, Tanner, Cassie, Austin, Brittany, Bryton and Grayson, his sister Barbara Rilling, her husband Carl, of Portland, OR and his brother Michael and his wife Regina, of Augsburg, Germany; nieces and nephews, countless friends and mother of three of his children, LaDonna Dempton, of Belton, MO.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Dianne Herrell, of Portland, OR.

Keith was a dedicated, loving husband, proud father and grandfather, brother, uncle, and great friend.  He was a hardworking, intelligent, spirited, humorous, music-loving, American whiskey drinking, jack of all trades.  He never met a stranger, only friends he hadn't met yet.  He always had an encouraging, kind word for all.  Keith continued to put others first throughout his courageous battle with cancer.

He retired from MeadWestvaco in September 2014, as Vice President of Operations for North America and Asia after 45 years and oversaw 7 different plants in 3 different countries. He was recognized for his operations expertise as well as exceptional leadership skills. He was a caring mentor, coach, and great friend to many.  He was known for his work ethic and treating everyone fairly and respectfully throughout his career.  His knowledge, wisdom, fun stories about traveling for work, advice and support will never be forgotten.

After retirement, he continued to enjoy freshwater fishing, golf, working in the yard, and his water garden.  He also briefly worked at Lowe's part time: something he had always said he was going to do after he retired.  He was a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan who enjoyed watching many of their games in his Man Cave.  Watching the Kansas City Royals win the World Series in 2015, and the Chiefs win the Super Bowl this year was a dream come true for him.  He will be deeply missed, but not forgotten, by his family, friends and all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be at Longview Funeral Home and Cemetery on Friday July 10, 2020 from 4-6pm.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation or by planting a memorial tree in his memory.