Keith Edward McKim

Reverend Keith Edward McKim, 76, of Monticello, Kentucky, went home to Heaven on April 30, 2026. He was born on December 16, 1949, in Medina, Ohio, to his loving parents, Phoebe and William McKim, who preceded him in death. Through their faithful Methodist upbringing, they instilled in him the values, character, and deep-rooted faith that would guide his entire life.

Keith enjoyed a joyful and loving childhood alongside his siblings, whom he dearly cherished and is survived by: Carol (Chuck) Stinnett, Leonard (Cheryl) McKim, Wayne McKim, and Dwight (Lysa) McKim.

He graduated from Buckeye High School in Valley City, Ohio, where he was known as an inspirational leader among his classmates. He went on to graduate from Tennessee Temple University in 1972 with a degree in Bible and Pastoral Studies and a minor in Literature. It was there that he met the love of his life, Louise (Wooton) McKim. The two were united in marriage on August 1, 1970, at Old Bethel Bible Church in Monticello, Kentucky. Together, they shared 56 beautiful years of marriage—a life marked by unwavering faith, deep love, and steadfast devotion to one another.

Keith was a proud and devoted father to his three daughters, whom he adored: Kathleen McKim of Doha, Qatar; Kristina O’Malley (Shawn) of Troy, Ohio; and Michal Renee Deaver (Richard) of Granville, Tennessee. He was known affectionately as “PaPa” to his five grandchildren—Vanessa Deaver (Mark), Olivia Deaver, Jana Kachakeche, Sarah Kachakeche, and Ali Kachakeche—bringing joy, laughter, and warmth into their lives at every opportunity.

A man of many simple joys, Keith was an always-prepared Boy Scout, an avid student of history, and a lover of music. He delighted in playing the accordion and harmonica and singing from the depth of his soul. He found happiness in model trains, building small projects, and sharing his signature “dad jokes” and puns, which never failed to bring smiles to those around him.

Reverend McKim dedicated his life to ministry, education, and service. His first pastorate was at Faith Baptist Church in Lakeview, Ohio, and he most recently served as pastor of New Salem Baptist Church in Monticello, Kentucky. While faithfully leading that congregation, he also served as a chaplain at Hospice of Lake Cumberland, offering comfort and compassion to many in their final days. In between, his ministry touched countless lives through his work at Westside Baptist Christian School in Brook Park, Ohio; Harrisville Congregational Christian Church in Union City, Indiana; as Principal at Faith Christian School in Greenville, Ohio; and as Pastor of Education at Rose Hill Christian School in Ashland, Kentucky. He also faithfully shepherded congregations at Twentieth Street Baptist Church in Kenova, West Virginia, and Mount Zion Baptist Church in Monticello, Kentucky.

Keith was a gifted teacher and preacher of the Word of God—a man devoted to prayer and Scripture—who lived out his faith with both compassion and conviction. He impacted countless lives through his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel.

If he could leave one final message, it would be this: Jesus loves you. He would encourage all to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, holding close the promise of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Keith’s legacy of faith, love, service, and joy will live on in all who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 3, 2026, between 1 pm – 4 pm in the chapel of the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 4 pm at the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to: Gideon Memorial Bible Plan.

Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.