Keith Milton Wright

Keith Milton Wright, 88, of Newberg, Oregon, peacefully entered the presence of the Lord, on July 19, 2026. Keith was a man that exemplified his faith in Christ by his love for people. His smile was contagious his personality engaging, his open heart a welcome place. Keith was an inspirational mentor who encouraged many with his wisdom and genuine kindness. Keith was born in Emmett, Idaho to Arthur and Awilda (Fine) Wright. Unfortunately, Awilda passed in March of 1939, leaving Keith, Geraldine, (sister) and Phillip, (brother) motherless. Grandma Minnie Wright moved in and helped Arthur with the children, and eventually, Arthur married Audra Horace. As a child, Keith most loved living near Lake Lowell where in winter, he could ice skate on the lake and sled. As a teenager, he had jobs harvesting wheat, canning peas, and helping Grandpa Horace pack peaches from his orchard. Keith graduated from College High in Nampa, Idaho in 1956, where he enjoyed playing many sports and serving on student council. He then attended Northwest Nazarene College now University. In class one day, the professor mentioned that married students got better grades than single students. Keith quickly turned around to the cute coed sitting behind him and asked if she would like to get married. Liz replied, “Anything for the cause.” Thinking practically, Keith said they might want to go on a date before marrying. It was a good date, and in September, 1957, they tied the knot. Keith and Elizabeth Sievenpiper’s nearly 69 years of marriage were solidly built around their love for each other, their two daughters Lori and Stacey, and their faith. Keith graduated from NNC in 1961. Keith went on to earn a Master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. During his ministry, Keith served as Associate Pastor of various Nazarene Churches: Northside Church-Fort Worth Texas, First Church-San Diego, California, First Church-Bethany, Oklahoma. He was lead Pastor at Church of Nazarene-Pompano Beach, Florida, First Church–Atlanta, Georgia, and First Church–Kansas City, Missouri. He also served as Superintendent Kansas City District for 15 years. During this time, Keith was conferred an honorary Doctorate by Mid America Nazarene University. In 2005, he retired and moved to Newberg, Oregon to be close to family. Upon retirement he quickly unretired, serving as interim Pastor for several Oregon Nazarene churches and Interim District Superintendent for both Washington and Oregon Districts. Through the years Keith served on and chaired many advisory boards and committees for the Nazarene Church and universities. He assisted in developing New Church Specialties which encouraged church leaders to excel. Keith made the most of life often saying and believing, “This is the day the Lord hath made let us rejoice and be glad in it.” His smile resides with us always. Keith is survived by his wife Liz Wright, daughters Lori Wright, (Mary Rohlfing), Stacey Cook (Scot), granddaughters Cori Cook, Kelly Cook Pearson, (Cody) great granddaughter Lily Stokesbary, sister Geraldine Perkins, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Keith was preceded in death by his father Arthur Wright, his mother Awilda Wright, Step-mother Audra Wright, and brother Phillip Wright. A Celebration of life will be held at the Newberg Nazarene Church, located at 23177 Old Yamhill Rd, Newberg, Oregon. August 29th at 11:00 am

Keith Milton Wright

January 19, 1938 - July 19, 2026