Keith Michael Johnson

August 26, 1950 - February 24, 2022

Keith Michael Johnson, born August 26, 1950, in Starkville, Mississippi to mixed Italian (Lauriente) and English-Swedish parents were shuffled off this mortal coil by a combined Streptococcus and COVID effort on February 24, 2022. Having escaped Mississippi at the age of one, his youth was spent in diverse cultures – grade school in Indonesia, high school in South India’s Kodaikanal. He was a SWAT paramedic in Chicago and Saudi Arabia before settling down to become a university librarian. As a black-haired, green-eyed, athletic handsome man, he was a favorite at weddings where he charmed giggling gatherings of children and their mothers, with magic tricks and patter. Loves to share the tale of a parrot he saved from drowning in a Nigerian River, Chester, who became his adoring lifelong admirer. He leaves behind a saddened throng of friends, his mother, Helen, and brothers, Clifford and Kurtis. Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family by visiting www.williamsfh.com.