A Celebration of Life
Keith Laverne Ham
January 12, 1925 – October 6, 2019
Surrounded by family, Keith Laverne Ham departed this life to his eternal home. Keith, an avid world traveler, offered the family comfort with his parting words of excitement that he was going to be taking a special trip and, on this trip, he was only purchasing a one-way ticket. Reaching out his hand, he proclaimed to the family that he was not afraid and shortly entered into a peaceful rest until he took his last breath. Because of that promise, the Ham Family invites you to join them in celebrating the blessed life of Keith Ham and the celebration of eternal life and hope in Christ. Public visitation will be held Tuesday, October 8, from 5-7pm at Nelson's Chapel in Berryville with a Celebration of Life Service to be held Wednesday, October 9, at 10:00am. A short graveside service will be held immediately following at the Berryville Memorial Cemetery.
Keith, born to Faye and Verner Ham, chose the coldest night in January 1925 to be born. Due to inclement weather, Keith was delivered at home with the help of a neighbor. Keith was the oldest of 6 children and is survived by a younger brother Winston and a younger sister Gerry, of Haxtun, Colorado. Keith graduated from Sutton Nebraska High School in 1942 and also attended the Nebraska College of Commerce.
In 1945, Keith married the love of his life, June Alyene Georgia Trousch. He asked her to marry him by the fountain as their favorite tune KALAMAZOO played on the radio. They were married in a little white Church of God on 5th Street in Hastings, Nebraska by Rev. Henry Kissinger. Together, they raised 4 beautiful children, 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
In 1968, Keith moved his family to Arkansas, leaving behind a farming operation in Phillips County Colorado where they farmed wheat, corn, beans, and sugar beets on over 2,240 irrigated and dry land acres. In Arkansas, he become a grass and cattle manager introducing the Charolais breed of cattle and big round balers to this area. Over the years, Keith served more than 20 years on the board of First National Bank of Berryville. Keith was never boastful or proud, but through the years received numerous awards for his contribution in efforts of soil conservation, cattle and grass management. He received many prestigious awards in the community such as Farm Family of the Year twice along with numerous Ambassador and Distinguished Citizen Awards. His most recent award was being inducted into the Senior Arkansas Hall of Fame for his contributions to Senior Arkansans.
Keith cared about his community, volunteering for the Chamber of Commerce, Hospital Auxiliary, Soil Conservation and many other projects. Keith was always active in church serving as deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and Sunday School teacher. He was a master at hosting hayrides and hot dog roasts in his field by the creek. He enjoyed music and was especially proud of the MCJAMM music program he and June coordinated for many years. Keith's passion was Rotary. With 50 years of service as a Rotarian, Keith was given the highest recognition in Rotary by being named a Paul Harris Fellow. Through the years, he served numerous terms as president and took on many other leadership roles but most of all, he enjoyed being the official piano player for Rotary allowing the club to sing before the weekly meeting would begin. His life exemplified the Rotary creed of Service Above Self and lived his life passing the Rotary 4 Way Test 1) Is the truth? 2) Is it fair to all concerned 3) Will it build good will and better friendships 4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned.
Keith especially loved his eight beautiful grandchildren, and in their younger years, would revel in the opportunity of taking them on road trips. The experiences of these road trips resound today as they affectionately nicknamed Grandpa, Daddy Warbuks and Grandma earned the travel nickname of Grandma Fran. Keith has always been proud of his children, their spouses and families.
Keith Laverne Ham is survived by his spouse of almost 75 years, June Alyene Georgia Trousch Ham, along with 4 wonderful children, Kevin Ham and his wife Wenona of Berryville, Konnie Ham Sager and husband Richard of Berryville; Kathy Ham Quast and husband Terry of Springdale; and Kristy Ham Noble of Berryville and Scott Estrem of Springfield, Mo. 8 Grandchildren, David Sager and wife Katy of Fayetteville; Deborah Sager Smallwood and husband Jerry of Fayetteville; Justin Ham and wife Amber of Austin Texas; Shelcey Ham Corbin and husband Allen of Siloam Springs; Nicholas Quast and his wife Tiffany of Rogers; Kimberly Quast Bonds and spouse Thane of Bella Vista; Adam Noble and wife Shelby of Clarksville, TN; and Hannah Noble Stone and husband Garrett of Berryville. Great Grandchildren Noah Sager and Alex Meyers; Nathan and Rose Smallwood; Austin and Kaylee Ham; Emilee and Bradon Corbin; Sadie Quast; and Thor, Kya, & Maximus Bonds and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to the Rotary Club of Berryville, POB 1081, Berryville, Arkansas 72616 or to The Circle of Life Hospice Program, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at Charles M. Nelson Memorial Chapel in Berryville, Arkansas. Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at Charles M. Nelson Memorial Chapel with Pastor Derryl DeShields officiating. Interment will follow at Berryville Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. ©Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2019.

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