Returned with Honor

Keith Martin Shumway
Born May 17, 1982
The youngest child of Doyle and Denna.
Life cut short Aug. 22, 2008

I remember clearly the day that Keith was born. I was nearly 11 and being the oldest I got to stay home from school to take care of Natalie and Chris while mom and dad went to the hospital. We got the phone call that the baby had been born and that everything was ok. I was devastated that I had another brother. I cried, I had wanted a baby sister so badly. But as soon as I saw him I loved him. I loved to help mom take care of him.

Dad says that he's sure Keith was a typical child and got into mischief. But he never remembers a time when Keith did something really wrong, or ever needed much reprimanding. Keith was always good, always made the right choices, was always in the right place and the right time. Our whole family was always very glad to claim him as our baby brother. He was always a good example to us. He was the baby but we looked up to him.

Keith loved primary and was excited when he was able to be baptized. He quickly became involved with scouting and went on to earn his Eagle. He had several funny stories from scout camps.

He worked hard in school and always had good grades. In high school he enjoyed cross country and track. Many summer nights throughout the years were spent playing softball with the Kanosh boys. He graduated from Millard High School in 2000. He began his studies at Southern Utah University.

On June 20, 2001 Keith entered the M.T.C. He was called to serve in the Mexico Veracruz Mission. He immediately loved the people in Veracruz. Heavenly Father richly blessed him with many wonderful, testimony building experiences. Even when our sweet mother passed away on Thanksgiving day in 2001, Keith was able to see how he was blessed. And never doubted staying in the mission field. I loved to hear him talk of his mission. He returned home on June 25, 2003.

That fall he picked up his studies at S.U.U. He served as Elder's Quorum President in his college ward. I think that is when he met the love of his life. They didn't start dating until Oct. 2004. In May of 05 they decided to get married and were soon engaged. Keith and Lisa were married in The Salt Lake L.D.S Temple on Aug. 19, 2005.

They made their home in Cedar City were they both continued their education. Keith served in the bishopric in a college ward. Lisa graduated from S.U.U. in May 06.

Last fall he and Lisa were so excited to announce that they were expecting their first child. Keith spent most of his life with a huge smile but I had never seen him so happy. Keith graduated from S.U.U. May 3, 2008.

On May 12, 2008 Landon Austin joined their little family. I don't know how but Keith's smile got even bigger. I enjoyed watching Keith at the July 24th celebration carrying Landon around to show everyone. That was the last day I saw him.

On Monday, July 28 he began working for Dr. Ellsworth. When he called me on Aug. 14 he told me how much he was liking his new job. He was trying to get into Medical School he had always wanted to be a surgeon. But was thinking of specializing in Dermatology. He found it very fascinating. I'm glad that I ended the phone call with "I Love You".

On Friday the 22nd. he traveled to Moab, Ut. with Dr. Ellsworth and staff. Dr. Ellsworth had a new clinic there. They were all on a plane on their way home. The twin engine went down with 1o passengers on board. My sister Joanna called me at 9:50 p.m. I was so glad that Bryan was still home. I have never felt such emotional and physical pain.

Keith loved to serve others. It never mattered where, who or what. He was always looking for someone to help. He died doing just that.

He loved his precious Lisa and their son so very much. We will all continue to pray for her.

Keith left behind his wife, Lisa and son, Landon. Father, Doyle (Janice), sisters, Julie (Bryan) and Joanna (George) brothers, Lorin (Janice) and Neil (Kim) sister, Natalie and brother, Chris (Corissa). Five Shumway nephews and seven Shumway nieces. Lisa's parents and siblings and nieces and nephews. (I'm sorry I don't know names or numbers.) Many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by oldest brother, Matthew. Mother, Denna. Grandma and Grandpa Perkins and Grandma and Grandpa Shumway.

Janice also made a nice tribute on their blog. Please feel free to visit it. (Lorin and Janice) Or visit the Shumway Family link.

A Keith Shumway Memorial Fund has been set up at Wells Fargo 800-869-3557 or Keith Shumway Memorial Account at Mountain America Credit Union. Thank You.