Keith Russell Brown

With incredible sadness, we say goodbye to Keith Russell Brown, 66, who passed away on November 24, 2025 in El Paso, Texas.

Keith was born February 24, 1959 in Anaco, Venezuela to Wayne Lee Brown and Clarice Estelle (Oplinger) Brown. Keith, whose father worked for the oil industry, spent his first two years of life in Venezuela before moving to Wichita, Kansas where he lived during childhood. As a child, he loved working with his hands, the outdoors, and excelled in scouting, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

After high school, Keith moved to and managed his family’s farm in Tecumseh, Oklahoma before spending most of his professional career at Tinker Air Force Base. He also served the USAF Reserve 507th Air Refueling Wing as a jet engine mechanic for over 25 years before retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2011.

Keith married Mary “Kay” Scaggs in 1982 and became the bonus-dad to Amy, Julie, Kelly, and Benjamin. He and Kay welcomed their daughter Laura a few years later. Keith embraced fatherhood in earnest and left a legacy of generosity. Through his example, his children learned to put others first, always be humble, always be a helper, and give generously. He taught his children the simple joys of summertime fishing, driving on red dirt roads, savouring chicken fried steak and cream gravy, and appreciating the beauty of nature. His children are forever grateful for lessons quietly taught and opportunities provided by him, and deeply mourn his unexpected passing.

Keith was preceded in death by his son, Benjamin Nikowa Keel, parents Wayne Lee Brown and Clarice Estelle (Oplinger) Brown, and his former wife and dear friend Mary “Kay” Scaggs, whom he tenderly cared for throughout her illness. Keith is survived by his sister Lee Ann Gravenstein; his daughters, Laura Brown; Amy Keel Brown (Andrew Brown); Julie Keel; and Kelly Keel Cabreros (Ellison Cabreros). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Adria Brown (Madeline Greenhalgh); Colin Brown (Elizabeth Brown); Hayden Coker-Kneifl; Eva Brown (Emerald GoingSnake); Bryndon Cabreros (Abigail Cabreros); Silas Keel; Zachary Keel; Rhys Cabreros; Lydia Keel; Liam Brown; Cael Cabreros; Micah Keel; and Declan Cabreros. Keith is survived by two great-grandchildren, Savannah Brown (Colin and Elizabeth) and Duke Cabreros (Bryndon and Abigail), as well as a niece, Kalen Hoffman, and additional bonus-daughter, Brandy Miller.

Memorial services will be held privately for the family.