Keith C. Billingsly

Keith C. Billingsly, 70, a lifelong resident of Mound Valley, passed away at 4:14 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2013, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin. He was born April 28, 1942, on the family farm near rural Mound Valley, Kansas to "Leonard" and Ann (Blake) Billingsly. He grew up and attended school in Mound Valley and was a 1960 graduate of Mound Valley High School. He earned an Associate degree from Parsons Junior College, a Master's degree from Pittsburg State University, an Ed.S. Degree from Kansas State University, and was very close to having earned a PhD. During the Vietnam Conflict, he served in the United States Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Mound Valley. Through the years, he taught Psychology at Parsons, Coffeyville and Independence Junior Colleges and had also worked as a social worker at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center and the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services for over 40 years until retiring. Keith was actively involved in his community where he served as both mayor and city councilman for several terms and was instrumental in the development of Mound Valley Library. He enjoyed making wine, fishing, gardening, animals, and tinkering with old cars. He loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known to help put a roof over the head of anyone who was in need of help. Keith loved working on the farm, being outdoors, and spending time on his tractor. On December 28, 1963, he and Sharon K. Washam were married in Mound Valley. She survives of the home. In addition to his wife, additional survivors include: Three Sons – Steve Billingsly and wife, Chris Pittsburg, KS Doug Billingsly and wife, Brenda Mound Valley, KS Jimmy Jarman and wife, Kelli Tulsa, OK One Daughter – Krista Moreno and husband, Bobby Moline, KS Fourteen Grandchildren Two Great-Grandsons He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 25, 2013, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Mound Valley Cemetery. Friends may call at their convenience at the funeral home from 1-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday. Memorials are suggested to the Mound Valley Flag Pole Festival. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Keith C. Billingsly, please visit our flower store.