Keith Donald Everton passed away on July 5, 2026, at the VA Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 99.

Burial with military honors will take place at 12:00 pm on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 25965 477th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD.

Keith was born on May 18, 1927, in Crofton, Nebraska. At just 17 years old, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, where he earned degrees in Pharmacy and Business.

After graduating, Keith returned home and took over his father's drug store. He married Jane Albertson in July 1953, and together they welcomed two daughters, Pam and Rhonda.

Keith discovered a lifelong passion for aviation after learning to fly. He eventually sold the family drug store and purchased Contact Airways in Sioux Falls, later renaming the business Business Aviation. Under his leadership, the company flourished for 30 years.

On December 1, 1977, Keith married Carol Miller, the love of his life.

In 1987, Keith sold Business Aviation with plans to retire. Retirement, however, did not suit his entrepreneurial spirit. Just a year later, he purchased an aerospace company, renaming it Space Propulsion Systems.

Keith and Carol made their home in Florida for 32 years. After Keith was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, they returned to Sioux Falls to be closer to family.

Keith lived an extremely full life flying around the world, buying and selling aircraft.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and three sisters.

Grateful for having shared his life are his beloved wife, Carol Everton; his daughters, Pam Ellingson of Arizona and Rhonda (Scott) Lockwood of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his granddaughters, Kellee (Rick) Campbell of Arizona and Ashley (Graham) Beynon of Sioux Falls; his great-grandson, Jaxon Beynon; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the VA Hospice Cottage or Sanford Hospice in Sioux Falls in appreciation for the compassionate care Keith received.