Ollie 'Keith' Sanford

Just shy of his 79th birthday and in the company of his loving family, our beloved Ollie "Keith" Sanford passed away on August 22, 2016 from COPD at Close to Home Hospice House. Keith was born on September 7, 1937 in Greencastle, Indiana, the second child of Jessie (Green) and Laverne Sanford. He had many fond memories of his childhood and loved to share stories about growing up in Indiana. After graduating from Greencastle High School in 1955, Keith enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas for a good portion of his service and flew P2V aircraft. Before he was honorably discharged in 1959, Keith also spent time on Midway Island in the Pacific.In 1973, he moved his family from Indiana to Gillette to begin his career as a heavy equipment operator at AMAX Coal/Bel Ayr Mine. He later transferred to Eagle Butte where he worked until his retirement from coal mining in 1989. Keith continued operating heavy equipment for various construction companies until his health required him to retire completely in 2008.In addition to his family, Keith had a passion for many things including bluegrass music, Colts football, NASCAR and, most notably, woodworking. He had an incredible talent for custom-building anything out of wood and has left behind several pieces of beautiful furniture for his family and friends to enjoy.Keith will be forever loved and missed by his children: Sherry (Bob) Hedge, Punch Sanford, and Joana Baysinger, all of Indiana, Kelly (Lee) Wandler and Shelly (Dean) Meyers, all of Gillette and Amanda Sanford (Mike Hubert) of Missouri, his grandchildren, Dara, Katie, Sommer, Brian, Audrey, Ashlee, Alicia, Dani, Josh and Tashina as well as several great-grandchildren, neices, nephews and good friends.He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his loving wife of 38 years, Connie, his sister, Marietta Glover, his brother, Greg and his grandson, Michael. Just as he wished, Keith spent his final days under the gracious care of the staff at Close to Home Hospice. This organization has provided outstanding support and compassion to the Sanford family, so if you wish, you may make a donation to them in Keith's name.Memorials and Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court , Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the web at www.walkerfuneralgillette.comFuneral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716