AUGUSTA - Luper, Keith, 80, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, met his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012. He was born Jan. 16, 1932, in Arkansas City, KS, the only child of Opal Mae (Elrod) and Paul Luper, both of whom preceded him in death. After high school, Keith enlisted and served in the U.S. Army (1951-1954) and was stationed in Germany where he taught map-reading for the NCO Academy. Keith returned home and married the love of his life, Kolene J. (Burkhart) Luper in 1954. Together they raised three sons: Steve, Craig and Kirk. Keith was an exceptionally talented engineer, analytical problem solver, and manager. While working full time, he diligently attended night classes at Wichita State University in order to become a mechanical engineer. He applied those talents as the owner of L & W Engineering and a Senior Manager at Boeing, including work in the holedivision, Boeing 777, other strategic projects and consulting work. After retirement from Boeing, Keith designed and constructed an intricate computer-animated Christmas light display set to music that delighted visitors and tour bus groups from multiple states and communities. Keith was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Augusta, KS, and the Loyal Heirs Sunday School Class for 58 years where he devoted his time and talents to serving others and gained many brothers and sisters in the Lord, though he was an only child. Keith patiently persevered as he courageously faced heart disease, kidney failure, dialysis, multiple surgeries and complications. His consistent example of grace and strength throughout each challenge was a testimony and encouragement to many. Keith leaves a legacy of love, a life well-lived, and a spiritual heritage of children and grandchildren, all of whom know and love the Lord. Survivors include Kolene, his wife of 58 years, sons and daughters-in-law Steve & Debbie Luper of Andover, KS, Craig & Pam Luper of Concord, NC, and Kirk and Jeanne Le Luper of Wichita, KS, five grandchildren: Joshua (& Sarah) Luper of rural Augusta, KS, Zach Luper of Concord, NC, Ashleigh Luper of Andover, KS, Jordan Luper of Redding, CA, and Caleb Luper of Wichita, KS and two great-grandsons: Ethan and Elijah Luper of rural Augusta, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Loyal Heirs Sunday School Class, First Baptist Church of Augusta, 1501 State St., Augusta, KS, 67010, would be greatly appreciated. The memorial celebration service will be at the First Baptist Church in Augusta on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Terry Deaver officiating. Headley Funeral Chapel in Augusta is entrusted with arrangements.

Published in The Wichita Eagle from October 19 to October 20, 2012