LELAND — Keith Vernon Oder passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18th, 2025 at the age of 72. Keith, also known as Dad, Papaw, Mr. O, was a friend to all and never knew a stranger.
Born in Lima, Ohio to Ronald and Mary Louise (Gillespie) Oder, Keith spent his childhood days hunting the land behind his house with his father and grandfather, going camping at Pokagon State Park, learning dance (specifically tap), and of course mastering both singing and playing the drums. Keith attended Elida High School where he dated no less than 3 Debs (haha), but fell head over heels for a girl named Tess after his graduation in 1971. Throughout his high school career he played drums in the school marching band as well as with a band called Nite Rider, and spent many nights playing in various clubs throughout the Lima area.
After high school, Keith attended Bluffton College to pursue a degree in music education, but left when presented with an opportunity to form a band with fellow musicians, later to be known as Colored Rain. For the next two years, he was “on the road” performing at various venues from Ohio to Texas to Alaska and everywhere in between. He took a short hiatus in 1975 to marry aforementioned love, Theresa Marie Essick, before the two of them resumed their adventures throughout the country together for another two years. They would share a life together for the next 50 years.
In 1977, Keith left the band and began his 37 year career with UPS in Piqua, Ohio. During that time he and Tess welcomed two girls: Kristen and Alison. Together they built their life together which centered around their children embracing their interests in gymnastics, show choir, musicals, and cheerleading. Keith was a devout fan of Notre Dame football, a passion he shared with Kristen, and he imparted his deep appreciation of music (and karaoke) to Alison.
After his retirement from UPS in 2014, Keith and Tess moved to Leland, North Carolina to enjoy their retirement. He began working at Sportsman’s Warehouse where he was able to share his passion for safe firearm ownership and hunting. He continued to make friends with everyone he met and enjoyed embracing new travel adventures with Tess. Upon announcing the passing of Keith, memories and stories of his impact and reach came flooding in. He was described as the “funniest guy,” and “most fun dad.” Friends remembered him showing up to various games and shows in his UPS browns and exuding pride for his girls. Keith’s greatest joy was his family. He was “Papaw” to his 6 grandchildren. He cherished his time spent with Keagan, Kohen, Stella, Phoenix, Esmé, and Grey, watching them excel in their activities.
Keith’s life brought humor, energy, kindness, and joy to all. His courageous battle with pancreatic cancer was met with strength and determination until the very end.. He is survived by Tess, his wife of 50 years, his daughter Kristen and husband Kevin of Frisco, Texas, his daughter Alison and husband Alan of Kure Beach, North Carolina, and his six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Mary, and his infant twin sister, Kelly.
Visitation will be at Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home in Piqua, Ohio on Thursday, February 5th from 5-7 pm. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Piqua, Ohio on Friday, February 6th at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Keith’s honor to pancan.org or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, who were an incredible support to Keith and his family in his final days.
