Keith Anderson Ervin, 91, of Vinton, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, preceded by the loss of his wife Kathie on June 1, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton, with Pastor Darrian Adkins officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m.. Inurnment will be at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Phillips Funeral Home is caring for Keith and his family.

Keith was born on August 3, 1934, in Vinton, IA, to Earl and Mildred (Anderson) Ervin. He lived in Vinton most of his life except when attending Iowa State College (BS in Industrial Administration 1956); working briefly in Michigan City, Indiana in 1956 before his Army induction; and serving in the US Army from 1956-58 when stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis and Fort Belvoir in Alexandria, Virginia.

Keith met the love of his life, Katherine “Kathie” Arnold, at Iowa State College where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and she a Gamma Phi Beta. They were married following graduation on September 1, 1956, in Philadelphia, PA. Together they shared nearly 70 years of marriage and built a life centered on family, faith and community. Upon his release from the service in November 1958, he and Kathie moved to Vinton. Keith joined Ervin Motor Company, founded by his father Earl A. Ervin and uncle Wilson K. Ervin in 1930. Later he welcomed his son, Bill, into the business. Keith continued to work at Ervins until just before his death.

Keith loved Vinton and being of service to the community was important to him. Some activities included service with the Iowa Auto Dealers Association, the Wesley United Methodist Church Administrative Board, president and member of Kiwanis, member of the Vinton Planning and Zoning Board, Master in the Vinton Masonic Lodge, treasurer of Pontiac advertising board, president of the Vinton Country Club, member of the Farmers Savings Bank Board, Evergreen Cemetery Board, and Palace Theater Board and service with groups including Benton County Opportunities, Vinton Unlimited, and Act I Theatre. He was recognized with the Key to the City of Vinton and by Kiwanis choosing to name the Keith Ervin Shelter at Kiwanis Park in Vinton. The Vinton Country Club was an important social connection throughout his life, where he played couples golf and in the men's league (with one hole-in-one). He enjoyed singing in the church choir, bowling, playing couples bridge and other card games, completing puzzles, and exploring history, reading countless books about the Civil War period. He loved traveling and enjoyed visiting all 50 states and 23 countries. Keith loved his yard overlooking the Cedar River in the home he and Kathie built in the 1960’s and could often be found on the back porch taking his meals, sipping a scotch or enjoying rhubarb pie and ice cream.

Keith is survived by daughters Susan (Jim) Judkins Gossett of Clive, IA and Carol Gassen of Fishers, IN; son Bill (Roxanne) Ervin of Vinton; six grandchildren: Whitney (Eric Elben) Judkins, Erin (Matteo) del Ninno, Alexandra Thompson, David (Jena) Ervin, Sean (Kirstin Robinson) Gassen, and Daniel (Olivia) Ervin; and great-grandchildren: Landon, Arden, Luca, Keaton, Elena, Luke, with another girl expected in November. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Cynthia Ervin and Suzanne Arnold Sligh; and four nieces and nephews: Wilson (Lili) Ervin, Debbie (Tom) Ricketts, Bruce Arnold and Elizabeth Arnold. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathie Arnold Ervin; his parents, Earl and Mildred “Millie” Ervin; brother Dean and infant brother David.

Memorials may be directed to the Virginia Gay Hospital Foundation.

Keith will be remembered for his legacy of service to community, respect and love for family and friends, strong work ethic, and his wisdom, kindness, and wit.