TIPTON – Keith Wayne Houghton, age 76, passed away peacefully at Mitchell County Hospital on August 17, 2025, just six days after celebrating his birthday.
He was born on August 11, 1949, to Clifford and Bernice Houghton and grew up on the family ranch south of Tipton, Kansas. Keith graduated from Cawker City High School in 1967, where he was a multi-sport athlete, and went on to graduate from Kansas State University in 1971. During his time at K-State, he had the unique honor of serving as Willie the Wildcat from 1970–71.
Keith’s aviation career spanned 38 years and was filled with adventure, excellence, and mentorship. He began as a flight instructor at Aircraft Services. Then Keith flew corporate jets for Ryan Aviation, and the Coleman Company in Wichita. His career later took him to Ozark Airlines, TWA, and American Airlines, based in St. Louis, where he flew the FH 227-B, DC-9, and MD-80 as a commercial airline pilot. Even as he advanced in his career, Keith continued to give back by instructing and mentoring young aviators—one of his greatest joys in life.
Beyond aviation, Keith was an entrepreneur. Together with his wife, Debra, he owned and operated Ringneck Ranch, a full-service upland game bird hunting lodge located on the Houghton family homestead. The ranch became not only a business but also a gathering place where Keith’s love of hunting and socializing came together, creating countless friendships across the country.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Bernice Houghton, and his brother, Leon Houghton, who passed away just three hours before Keith. He is survived by his loving wife, Debra, and by Cory Lathrom, who lived with Keith and Debra during his junior high and high school years, along with siblings, Kathy (Steve) Jensen and Patsy Houghton; in-laws, Kim Lathrom, and Dreana McClurg (Mike) and family, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews, and dear friends who will carry on his legacy of kindness, humor, and passion for life.
Celebration of Life services will be at 2 PM Saturday, September 27 at the Tipton Community Building. Memorials may be given to the Smoky Hill Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1127, or the K-State Chapter of Farmhouse Fraternity. Roberts Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.robertsfamilyfs.com
