Keith Ames Whitmore

We remember Dr. Keith Ames Whitmore, beloved husband and father, gifted pianist, and humble servant of Christ, who died Thursday afternoon, June 8th, 2023, in the company of his family at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 64. Keith was born in Richmond, Texas on August 31st, 1958 to Don and Mary Whitmore and spent his childhood in Temple, TX, Albuquerque, NM, and Abilene, TX before graduating from Denton High School in 1977. In 1982, he received his Bachelor of Music from Hardin-Simmons University, where he met his wife, Laura Virginia Whitmore. Keith and Laura were married on June 29th, 1985 and had five sons: Kenneth, Stephen, Joseph (who died in his first year), and twins Thomas and Benjamin (who shared Keith’s birthday!).

Keith earned his Master’s in Music Performance from the University of North Texas, then moved to Houston, TX, where he worked as staff accompanist at Rice University and served as church pianist at Tallowood Baptist Church. In 1991, he moved to Shawnee, OK to work at Oklahoma Baptist University, where students and colleagues would come to know him for his kindness, patience, and joyous heart for God for over 25 years as accompanist and professor. He was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, joining the Theta Lambda chapter at HSU and serving as faculty advisor for the Pi Tau chapter at OBU. In 2004, he received his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Oklahoma. Keith was a dedicated member at University Baptist Church, serving as pianist with Laura playing organ, and together they were vital and cherished collaborators within a loving community of teachers, families, ministers, musicians, and volunteers in Shawnee. Keith also shared his musical gifts with several local churches including First Christian Church and taught piano lessons. When Laura passed away in 2021, he moved to Oklahoma City to be closer to his sons as they helped care for his declining health.

Keith was preceded in death by his wife Laura, father Don, brother Bruce, and son Joseph. He is survived by his sons: Kenneth, Stephen, Thomas, Benjamin and daughter-in-law Callie, as well as his mother Mary and brothers Marcus and Eric.

A memorial service will be held Monday, June 19th, 2023 at 5:30pm at University Baptist Church, 2515 N Kickapoo Ave in Shawnee, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, Keith’s family will be grateful for donations of books and school supplies. For those unable to attend, there will be a live stream available through the church’s Youtube channel.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavenfh.com for the Whitmore family.