David Keith Severe

ELBA – It turns out that even God needs a good man to run his cattle. On Saturday afternoon, Keith rejoined his Father on heaven’s ranch. As he was inclined to do, he probably stopped along the way to help change a few tires, give someone water for their radiator, or just visit with a friend.

He was born into an incredible family who taught him to work hard and enjoy doing it. He loved his five brothers and his only sister. They’re probably to blame for his teasing habit. They grew up south of Oakley and Almo working and raising cattle with their mother and father who taught them what Keith described as the only things that matter: how to work and how to treat people. He was well-known for both.

After attending Raft River and Oakley schools, Keith graduated from Oakley High School in 1968. A mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Sweden, was next. Serving the Swedish people was an experience he cherished.

Keith had the opportunity to serve in the United States Idaho Army National Guard here in Burley and often shared humorous stories from basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Keith and Sally’s first date was a dance organized by his national guard unit.

Beautiful and strong were the qualities Keith was looking for when choosing an eternal companion; he found them in spades when he met Sally. He knew that life on the range would not be easy and that his partner would have to be both tough and tender. Together they raised a family of three boys and two girls who absolutely adored their father and loved to go work with Dad no matter the task.

He was a patient teacher of his children, grandchildren and even friends when necessary. His brandings were a place everyone could learn how to rope, ride and mug calves without getting yelled at. You could always find him standing next to a grandchild quietly helping them better handle their rope, horse, or calf. His example, however, was his greatest teaching tool. He was always where needed and never put his horse away early.

Keith served for nearly 15 years as president of the 71-grazing association. This time was both a labor of love and a sign of the trust and respect the community had for his work ethic and abilities as a cattleman.

He raised and rode good horses and used to say; “There is no supplement or shortcut that will make up for a lack of training or time.” This was applied equally to his horses and his children.

Keith never knew a person he couldn’t make a friend or a job he was too important to do. He will be remembered as the cowboy who always took the ‘long circle’ and helped others without expecting anything in return.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, David Kent and Thelma Elison Severe; older brother, Kent Severe; sisters-in-law, Judy Severe and Diann Severe; and grandson, Sean Loughmiller.

He will be missed by his wife and eternal companion, Sally; children, JuliAnn (Heber) Loughmiller of Elba, David (Kristi) Severe of Devil Creek, Kerri (Ryn) Darrington of Declo, Branden (Cynthia) Severe of Malta, and Matt (Anna) Severe of Castleford; eighteen grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

For most people, it would be hard to sum up their life with a single sentence. For Keith, one sentence tells you everything: “He left every place he worked and every person he met better than he found them.”

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1198 East 2000 South, in Elba, with Bishop Austin Udy officiating. Burial will follow at Grand View Cemetery in Elba, with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group and the United States Idaho National Guard.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, July 28, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 East 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, preceding the funeral, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/GlZXVs0KPcw.