Keith Leon Contor, 94

Keith Leon Contor, 94, passed away July 19, 2024. Keith was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in 1929, the only child of Leon and Irma Contor.

The family owned and operated a large ranch with cattle, sheep, horses, and hogs. As a child, Keith was very independent and adventurous and spent many summers in remote camps with his dog tending and moving the sheep to new pastures. Keith grew up with a huge heart for all animals and actually raised and tamed many orphaned wild animals including an elk, skunk, an eagle that would ride with him on his horse, and even a badger that actually rode on the bus with him to school. While Keith was in school, the bus driver kept the badger and his dad would bring it home in the afternoon.

Keith earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Idaho, where he met and married the love of his life, Marian Lyons from Sandpoint, Idaho. He later earned a master's degree from Washington State University. Together, Keith and Marian raised three children, frequently moving as Keith followed work in the airplane and aerospace industry throughout most of his career. He worked on projects including the Gemini and Apollo Space Capsule and the F-15 Fighter Jet in Saint Louis. While there, he and Marian also purchased and ran a bowling alley. Keith finished his career as a professor at the Southern Illinois University. Keith retired in 1995 and he and Marian moved back to Sandpoint to be close to their children and grandchildren enjoying all their school and sporting events.

Keith’s hobbies included extensive travel abroad but his favorite was flying his plane with his wife on the weekends. He also helped teach Marian and his children to fly.

Keith is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 72 years; his three children, Kris Contor, Lynn Florea (Dennis) and Mark Contor (Diana); four grandchildren, Chris Florea, Allison Florea, Hillari Contor and Madison Contor; and a great-grandson Joaquin Florea.

Keith will be greatly missed by his family and all his furry and feathered friends.

Family and friends are invited to sign Keith’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.