Keith F. Kossow, 79, of Metropolis went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved and who love him still. Keith was originally from Ottawa, Illinois, where he graduated from Ottawa Township High School. He held a Masters + 30 hours toward a PhD from Southern Illinois University. He was a teacher and a college professor, having spent 42 years in the classroom specializing in Literature, Composition, and English. For over 30 years he taught both high school and college classes simultaneously; high school during the day, and college classes four nights a week, including summer school. He loved to teach and his students loved him. Through his teaching career he influenced thousands of lives.

Keith served in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the specialized ARIA crew, stationed at Patrick Air Force Base. The Apollo Range Instrumentation Aircraft was used to track Apollo moonshots, among other classified assignments.

Having traveled extensively, Keith became a tour guide and for several years led summer tours abroad for EF Tours. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, a Gideon, a former member of Kiwanis, and a founding member of the Friends of IOOF Cemetery. Keith was a collector of books, music, The Beats, Memorabilia, Commercial Aviation, Jazz and More! He was a researcher and an archivist. Keith was a student of the Bible, a gifted writer, and a master modeler. He was known throughout the community for his daily puppy rides.

Keith was preceded in death by his father, Frank Kossow, Jr.; his mother, Frances Kossow; his brother, Daniel Kossow; and his beloved pets, Precious Idy and Fuji.

Keith is survived by his wife, Donna Sue Kossow; his beloved dog, Andy Devine; one cousin, Jewel Kohr (Larry) of Peru, Illinois; and host of close family and friends.

Per his request, there will be no services.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.