Keith J. Barney, 81, of Spanish Fork, Utah, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 2, 2024.

Keith was born on December 10, 1942, to Ray Curtis Barney and Lucinda Young Barney.  He and his twin, Kent, were the youngest boys of nine kids: Dale (Ila Mae) Barney, Barbara (Denton) Topham, Jerry (Arch) Bulloch, Don (Nadine) Barney, Ron (Diane) Barney, Judy (Jim) West, Kent Barney, and Connie Barney.

Keith met the love of his life, Valene Jarvis, and they were married August 24, 1962. Soon after, they started their family with a daughter, April Lyn, who sadly passed away shortly after birth.  Three other children followed: Robyn, Jill, and Curtis.  On November 6, 2018, Keith and Valene were sealed for all eternity in the Payson Utah Temple.

Keith worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years.  He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 3.  There wasn’t a piece of equipment that he couldn’t operate, including a dragline. He spent most of his professional life working in construction, both new and old, but demolition was his favorite.  He came from a long line of construction workers including his dad and brothers. He made many long-lasting friendships while mentoring the next generation of heavy equipment operators.

He had a very special bond with each of his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was fortunate to be able to spend many hours with them.

Keith had a lot of hobbies such as hunting fishing, camping, and snowmobiling with family and friends.  He was a great backyard mechanic. Sometimes he would have projects lined up and he could always be found working on something in the shop.  Most of all, he never met anyone that he didn’t give a hard time to.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter; three brothers and three sisters; as well as two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.  He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Valene; three children: Robyn (Mark) Fillmore of Santaquin, Utah; Jill Barney of Spanish Fork, Utah; Curtis (Tekoa) Barney of Spanish Fork, Utah; along with nine grandkids and seven great-grandkids.

Keith’s family would like to express our thanks for the four generations of friendship shared with the Richard Ericksen family and want to let them know how important they are to us.

A viewing will be held on Monday evening, March 11, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.  The funeral service will be Tuesday afternoon, March 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 19th Ward Chapel, 585 North Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah.  There will also be a viewing Tuesday morning at the church from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. prior to the funeral.  Interment will be at Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.

Services will be streamed live.  To view, please return to this obituary page on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, shortly before 1:00 p.m. and click on the link below:

Keith J. Barney LIVESTREAM