Keith Eugene Buddemeyer, 80, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, in Union.
He was born on Sept. 11, 1946, to the late Kenneth W. Buddemeyer and Agnes Mae (Glandon) Buddemeyer in Bland.
He graduated from Bland High School in 1965.
Keith was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lenda Basham on June 6, 1969. Their love and life together will always be a cherished part of their family’s story, and Keith has now reunited with his beloved Lenda in heaven.
He served his country during the Vietnam War after enlisting in the U. S. Army in 1966. Keith received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and earned the Marksman qualification for rifle.
Keith worked at the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Fenton from 1965 to 2004 and was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Union for 39 years.
He enjoyed the outdoors, especially crappie fishing and loved fishing trips with his brothers and friends, traveling to places such as Alabama and Kentucky. Keith also had a real love for scratch-off lottery tickets and enjoyed trying his luck whenever he got the chance.
He was known for his independent and stubborn nature and was a man who stood by his word and did things his own way. Keith also enjoyed watching sports on television, especially his favorite Missouri teams. He was a passionate fan who never hesitated to yell at the television as though the players could hear him.
One of his greatest joys was spending time at the clubhouse with his best friend, Gump. If Keith wasn’t at home, there was a good chance he could be found at the clubhouse. The two shared a quality friendship and even worked together to create a large garden there.
Family was always at the heart of Keith’s life. Holidays brought everyone together to share meals, visit, and enjoy a good game of poker. These gatherings became treasured traditions filled with laughter, friendly competition, and time spent with the people who mattered most. Above all, he was crazy about Lenda, and his love for her and their family remained central throughout his life.
Keith will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of fishing, his loyal friendships and his strong-willed personality.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.
Keith was preceded in death by beloved wife, Lenda; parents, Kenneth and Agnes; brothers, Luke, Ronnie, Charlie and Mike Buddemeyer; and sister, Brenda K.Vandegriffe.
He is survived by sons, Eric and Bryan Buddemeyer; grandchildren, Brittany Klenke, Austin Buddemeyer, Bree Adams and Brylee Buddemeyer; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Adams and Adalyn Atchley; sister, Ruth Montgomery and husband Ben of Fulton; sisters-in-law, Linda Buddemeyer of Palmyra and Opal Buddemeyer of Bland; brother-in-law, Bill Basham of Belle; sister-in-law Brenda Norfleet of Jefferson City; best friend, Dave Gumpenberger; and many other relatives and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Liberty Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to the American Legions.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle. www.sassmannschapel.com
