Keith Edwin Mallory, age 70, of rural Palmyra, died early Tuesday morning, November 26, 2024, at Springcreek Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Adrian. He was born October 20, 1954, in Adrian, the fifth of eight children of the union of Emery and Betty (Bailey) Mallory. Keith grew up in the Ogden area, and he proudly graduated from Blissfield High School with the Class of 1972.
Keith worked for Tecumseh Products until its closure. He then began self-employment driving semi-truck, hauling grain for various local farmers. A true outdoorsman, Keith loved to be in nature any time of the year, enjoying the sports of deer and pheasant hunting, fishing, golfing, and snowmobiling. Without a doubt, his favorite outdoor pastime was his meticulous care of his lawn, investing hours to perfect his art. He also spent a lot of his spare time at the Blissfield American Legion. Keith had a keen sense of direction and seemingly never knew a stranger. He had strong convictions and he wore his heart on his sleeve. His famous lines included “It’s your story, tell it how you want,” and “I’m not complaining, I’m just explaining”. Keith had a deep respect for tradition, and already made sure his Christmas cards this season were sent. He was a proud man who offered the gift of tough love to those he cared most about. He will be sorely missed.
Keith married the former Angela Francis Kastel on November 3, 2007, at Blissfield Baptist Church. She survives. Also left to celebrate his legacy is a daughter, Nicole (Laith) Gulli of Evans Mills, NY; son, Ryan (Rachel) Mallory of Palmyra; five siblings, Charles (Pat) Mallory of Harrison, MI, Janet (Alan) Morgenthaler of Adrian, Kathy (Devon) Strine of Kunkle, OH, Thomas (Mary) Mallory of Danville, IN, and Teresa (Miles) Horn of Adrian; his beloved granddaughter, Rylie Mallory of Palmyra; brother-in-law, Thomas Bivins of Adrian; mother of his children, Barbara Mallory-Keeney; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Erika Sue Mallory; two sisters, Connie Bivins and Joanne (William) Atkinson; and a nephew, Nathan Horn.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield, on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Tom Frantz will officiate. Burial will follow at Palmyra Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family for their future charitable designation. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.