Kayden Keith

Kayden Michael Keith, aged 9, passed away at 3:10 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, at his home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family.

Kayden was born on May 27, 2015, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born with a rare disorder called Fryns Syndrome and was quickly transferred to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Kayden weighed 3.3 lbs at birth and his family was told he wouldn’t likely survive for more than 24 hours due to his syndrome and birth defects. However, Kayden was a warrior and we were blessed to have him for 3,407 days. Kayden was a miracle and ended up being the most amazing superhero. Those lucky enough to have known him, know that he brought joy and love to all that he encountered in spite of all his medical challenges. He embraced life fearlessly with enthusiasm and a heart full of love (and a little bit of mischief too). Kayden was the definition of strong and courageous.

He is survived by his mother, Brooke Richmann of the home; his father, Austin Keith of Arkansas; his grandmother, Lisa Richmann of the home; his great grandparents, Ivan and Donna (Ice) Richmann of the home; his great uncle, Barry (Shirley) Richmann of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; his great aunt, Sarena (Jim) Hutson of St. Charles, Missouri; his aunts, Shauntae Webb, Crystal Johnson, and Taja Johnson all of Missouri and Nicole (George) Tracey of Texas; his cousins, Adrian Richmann, Todd (Devika and Ava Mae) Richmann, Matthew Richmann, Neil Hutson, Matthew Hutson, Michael Hutson, Zhaya Gwin, Larico Tracey, George Tracey, Jr. and Jahmikel Tracey; and his dog, Bella. Kayden was surrounded by the love and care of family and friends, especially his godmother, Courtney Glore (Dakota and Briley) of Fairdealing, Missouri; special friends, Cheri Morgan (Jade and Tristan) of Lincoln City, Oregon and Jeanne (Mark and Mason) Snowden of Poplar Bluff, who were a constant source of joy and support.

The family would like to thank the village of medical team members; caregivers (Gwen, Candace, Emily and many more); and his teachers (Mindy, Hannah, Stephanie, Michelle and Cindy) who supported him throughout his journey. Although Kayden’s time with us was much too short, his impact and legacy will live on in our hearts forever.

Visitation will begin at noon on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Fowler-Sullivan funeral home located at 701 Vine St., Poplar Bluff. A service will be held immediately after at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Poplar Bluff. Officiating will be Pastor Robert Stockford. Pallbearers will be: Lisa Richmann, Barry Richmann, Matthew Richmann, Courtney Glore, Jim Hutson, Matthew Hutson, Jeanne Snowden and Cheri Morgan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kayden’s Kause (GoFundMe account) to assist the family with funeral expenses or directly to the family (Lisa Richmann).

“Rest in peace my sweet, brave boy. Kayden, you will be forever missed, loved and remembered!” - Momma