Keith Charles Lauver

Keith Charles Lauver

An Active Life-Long Learner -

Keith Charles Lauver, 63, passed away peacefully and surrounded with love on September 23, 2021, shortly after falling ill.  His final moments were shared with his son, Austin Keith Lauver, who held his hand while comforting him on his journey home to heaven with Jesus by his side.  As children we come into the world reliant on the love of our parents to help us grow into the men and women that we ultimately become.  If we are so fortunate at the end of our lives, we lovingly rely on our children to help walk us home.  Keith was one of many who was surrounded by the love of his family, as he made the transition that we all will make one day.

In the days leading up to his death, his children reconnected for the first time in many years.  Each member of the family shared their love with Keith/Dad by text message as Austin gently read each and every message to him.  Austin held his hand as he smiled, laughed, cried, and sighed with relief.  Keith’s years of prayers and final wishes were that his three children could reconnect and that they would forgive their parents.  His final wish was made possible through Keith’s/Dad’s bravery and through Austin’s unwavering commitment to communicate what we all wish could have been expressed so much sooner.

Keith was not someone who feared death and had made ample preparations to support his family after his passing.  He was a brave and inspiring man, son, Father, friend, and believer. He always wanted the best for those that he loved, and he will never be forgotten by those that love him.  He lives forever in our hearts and with our continued actions, we will honor him by choosing to always love others in every situation we face throughout the rest of our lives.  The following was written by Keith before he passed away:

Keith has always been an “active life-long learner” studying His Savior’s Love Story, the BIBLE, ever-seeking to learn, always sharing, and caring greatly for and extending kindness to others. Keith is especially grateful to his parents for their love and support.  Dad, Boyd Lauver preceded him in death, and Pop/Dad taught him the value of hard work and having a strong faith-filled life. Keith also greatly loved and appreciated his Mother, Helen Lauver, who gave him life and encouraged him throughout his life. Keith and his Mother always had a special Mother-Son relationship.

Keith realized he was born a sinner at the age of 15 and accepted the calling the Lord had on his life.  Jesus was always near him, and his God-given faith carried him through to now be with his Lord, Savior, and best-friend Jesus.

Keith’s favorite BIBLE verses are from Matthew 6:33-34 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

As a US Army 5th SFGA veteran, Keith met and married his children’s mother, Wendy Colflesh.

Keith truly loved being a DAD, leaving behind his three children, in birth-order:

His first child and oldest daughter, Samantha Robyn Marion (along with Son-in-Law James Marion & Granddaughter JOY) living in Bangkok, Thailand.  Dad loved teaching Samantha the ways of Jesus and she developed a very strong spirituality that has been with her throughout her entire life.

His second child and son, Austin Keith Lauver helped Dad so much.  Austin was a God-given blessing and caring, compassionate son.  Dad loved teaching Austin about being compassionate and he developed a very strong caring mindset that has been with him throughout his entire life.

His third child and youngest daughter, Madelyn Payne (along with Son-in-Law Daniel Payne & Grandson Chase), of West Virginia. Dad loved teaching Madelyn about how to stay determined to reach her goals and she developed a very strong entrepreneurial mindset that has been with her throughout her entire life.

All are welcome to join Keith’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, from 9:45 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor John Miller officiating.  Keith’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  Burial will follow the reception in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, where full military honors will be presented.

Contributions in celebration of Keith’s life can be made to Truth for Life Ministries - Grace Baptist Church, c/o Treasurer, 777 W. North Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.

Keith’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Keith’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.