Keith “Kay” Herndon Gould

January 26, 2026

 Keith Herndon Gould, age 90, ofSyracuse, Kansas, passed away on January 18, 2026, in Syracuse. He was born on November 3, 1935, in Syracuse, Kansas, to Arthur Gould and Betty Herndon Gould and was raised in the community he would call home throughout his life. Family members and lifelong friends referred to him as Kay. 

Keith (known fondly as Kay to family members and lifelong friends) graduated from Syracuse High School in 1954. Shortly thereafter, he entered the United States Navy, serving from 1954 to 1958 including duty aboard the USS Baltimore. On June 7, 1959, Keith married Peggy Sherrell Swint in Syracuse, Kansas. Together they raised two children, a daughter, Kristie, and a son, Kelly.

Keith spent the majority of his working life in the natural gas industry, working as an independent gas well site operator and overseeing multiple wells throughout Southwest Kansas. He also served the City of Syracuse as City Superintendent from 1970 to 1974. 

Outside of work, Keith was an avid outdoorsman, Keith enjoyed fishing, hunting, motorsports, and time spent with those he loved. 

He shared many fishing trips with his lifelong best friend, Austin Cauthon, followed by memorable fish fries enjoyed by family and friends. Keith hosted pheasant hunting opening day with family and friends, a tradition that brought people together and created lasting memories across generations. Additionally, in his younger years, Keith enjoyed motorcycles, riding Harleys with close friends and dirt bikes with his children. Later, he and Peggy took road trips together on his road bike. As he grew older, he shifted his focus to ATVs and could often be found riding around town or exploring the Sandhills, sometimes accompanied by his grandchildren. Keith was a devoted husband, proud father, loyal friend, and supportive grandfather. He valued his small-town community and the relationships he built there. Many family members and friends fondly remember gathering in Keith and Peggy’s kitchen, where hospitality, conversation, and friendship were always abundant.

Keith is survived by his daughter-in-law, Leisha Gould; his grandchildren, Derrick (Kelli) Hatcher, Priceten (Erica Salgado) Hatcher, Kolbie (Brandon) Hess, Dakota Gould, and Colton Gould; and his great-grandchildren, Savanah Jantz, Allias Alfaro, Krislyn Hatcher, Dryvor Hatcher, Rayden Hatcher, Kaybrie Hatcher, Tryten Hess, and Brooklyne Gould.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Gould and Betty Shetterly; his wife, Peggy Sherrell Gould (née Swint); his daughter, Kristie Hatcher; his son, Kelly Gould; and his close friend, Austin Cauthon.

Keith was a member of the Presbyterian faith and was involved in efforts to establish the Veterans Memorial Wall at Syracuse Cemetery. He was also a member of the Sandbar Duck Club.

Graveside Services will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Syracuse Cemetery at 1:00 PM (MST) in Syracuse, Kansas. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Keith Gould Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of Fellers Funeral Home LLC, PO Box 1253, Syracuse, KS 67878. 620-384-5100.