Murry Alan Keith, 57, remembered for keeping local equipment running

Murry Alan Keith, 57, a lifelong resident of Texas County who attended school in Optima and Guymon, died Jan. 13, 2026 at his home northwest of Guymon. Born Aug. 10, 1968, Keith was known locally for his hands-on work maintaining the heavy machinery that supports area farms and construction projects.

Keith worked as a heavy-equipment mechanic for Panhandle Construction and for Fred Hintergardt, roles that placed him at the center of everyday operations in this rural economy. Heavy-equipment mechanics play a practical, often underappreciated role in keeping tractors, graders and other capital equipment running — reducing downtime for farms, road crews and contractors and helping sustain local productivity.

He married Melissa McKerracher on Aug. 18, 2014; the couple had been together for more than 11 years. The family and community connections reflected in his life — schooling in Optima and Guymon, long-term residence northwest of Guymon and steady employment with locally based employers — underline how interconnected labor, families and local services remain across Texas County.

Bunch-Roberts Funeral Home is handling arrangements; the funeral home listing includes family survivors and provides service and visitation details for friends and relatives. Those who knew Keith or wish to pay respects may contact Bunch-Roberts Funeral Home for the schedule of services and visitation information.

Keith’s passing removes a skilled tradesperson from the county’s workforce at a time when many rural communities face challenges recruiting and retaining technicians for heavy equipment and farm machinery. Losing experienced mechanics can increase repair times, raise operating costs for small contractors and farms, and shift maintenance burdens onto businesses already managing tight margins. For neighbors and employers, the immediate concern will be covering routine maintenance and ensuring equipment stays serviceable through planting and construction seasons.

Beyond the immediate operational effects, Keith’s death is a reminder of the dense personal networks that sustain Texas County life — from school ties in Optima and Guymon to multi-decade service with local businesses. His work kept essential machines rolling; his absence will be felt on job sites and by families who relied on his skills.

For residents, the next steps are practical and communal: reach out to Bunch-Roberts Funeral Home for service details, offer support to Keith’s family, and recognize the role skilled local tradespeople play in keeping rural Texas County running.