Keith Greenwood passed away on September 2, 2021 at age 65, surrounded by the trees and land of his home in Guthrie, OK. This spot became his sanctuary after retirement and he loved to spend his days swinging an ax and clearing his property.

Keith decided to become a police officer as a preschooler. He served and protected his community for over 40 years, first among the people of Long Beach, MS, then in Warr Acres, OK, and finally as a code enforcement officer after retirement. He was well known in Warr Acres. The Hispanic community nicknamed him “El Pelón”, meaning the bald one. One man argued after being pulled over while Keith was covering another officer’s shift: “But you don’t work today!” He liked to brag that he didn’t have a quota because “they let me write as many tickets as I want!” He wasn’t known only for writing tickets. Even when the public found themselves in negative or challenging situations, he was patient, polite, and empathetic in his role of authority. 

Keith’s first child, Robert Greenwood, was born with severe intellectual and physical disabilities. Keith was a tireless advocate for Robbie and spent many nights sleeping in hospital rooms with him. When Keith walked into the room and said “There’s my big boy,” Robbie’s face shone with happiness. Keith married the love of his life, Nancy Copley, in 1988. He often told his newly acquired children, Zac and Wilhelmina, that he married her just to get them. (They knew better.) As a husband and father, Keith was a rock: strong, silent, stubborn and immovable, providing his family both a safe harbor and the freedom to pursue their goals.

Keith is predeceased by his sons, Robbie and Zac. He looked forward to seeing them again  very much and will be buried next to them at Memory Lane Cemetery in Harrah, OK in a private ceremony. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his daughter Wilhelmina Wise, her husband, and three grandchildren. His parents are Keith (deceased) and Donna Greenwood, of Gulfport, MS. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 18 at 5 o’clock in the evening at 5326 Ellie Mae Dr, Guthrie, OK 73044, followed by a reception to celebrate his life and share memories. There will be no viewing at the service. Even in death, Keith wanted to serve and his body was donated in the hope of helping scientists better understand dementia. For those who cannot attend, a recording will be made available on this site.

All expressions of sympathy, including flowers, honorary donations to a favorite charity, and cards are welcome; however, the family particularly requests that stories, memories, and photos of Keith be shared with them. Stories may be shared with family and friends at the reception or by email. Photos may be uploaded here.