About
Forever 13, A Keegan Smith Memorial Foundation is a Non For Profit Organization that unites our community together, creating a financial benefit in the form of scholarships to graduating seniors who are interested in joining the trades industry. Forever 13 will also assist children who want to play sports but may not be able to meet the financial needs of the sport. Forever 13 will also provide financial assistance to grieving families who have lost their children unexpectedly to help cover the final expenses they incur. Forever 13 may cooperate with other organizations and agencies active in the greater good of every child in our community.
Keegan Cole was born on June 28 2008 a week after his due date, at 9lbs 4oz he started life exceeding everyone's expectations. Keegan was a happy baby that loved to be the center of attention. That of course didn't change as he got older. The moment Keegan learned to talk he never seemed to stop, he would tell you any story or ask you any questions just to keep himself from having to go to bed at night. Keegan was the kindest, most caring child, frequently asking friends and family "you happy?" He was always so concerned with making others laugh and living their best life.
Keegan loved living in a small town. He started school having several friends and immediately became a social butterfly. After several notes home about his constant talking and joking in his kindergarten class, his mom and dad knew they had to have a serious talk with him. They explained how important it was to sometimes just be quiet and listen that he may not know everything, his reply with tears in his eyes was "I'm just a little kid I've got an awful lot to say" You can't argue with logic. In an effort to help burn off some of Keegan's extra energy he started playing T-ball and later on baseball. After several seasons, some even playing side by side with his brother, he decided he wanted to try something new. In 6th grade Keegan decided to start wrestling. Growing up with 3 older brothers who all thought they were ninjas half the time and mma fighters the other half, this was the perfect quest. Little did Keegan know his brothers had been training him all those years, on February 29, 2020 Keegan became the 100lb novice state champion. He continued to work hard and strived to be the best. Almost a year later on February 7, 2021 Keegan won the 115lb Novice Nationals. If something interested Keegan he was 110% all in.
When Keegan decided he wanted to start hunting he was told he had to complete his hunters safety and take a final test with Missouri Conservation, and he did just that! All while going to school full time, wrestling practice, and just being a kid. He was successful in his first youth hunt getting himself a 3 point buck he was extremely proud of! When spring rolled around his new endeavor became fishing. Keegan started just good old fashion fishing with a worm on a pole, this quickly turned into turning those small fish he was catching into bait fish for setting catfish lines. After talking his dad into purchasing catfish noodles online he realized how easily they could be made at home, another project ensued. Keegan was always on the go and anything that could be done outside he was in for, but he loved his video games as well. Creating his own gamer tags and videoing himself playing trying to become youtube famous.
Family and friends were so important to Keegan. He treated others with kindness all while being unapologetically himself. He loved to help others and be involved in anything and everything he could. With this foundation we hope to carry on his life and legacy. A good friend told me A person dies twice in their life once when they leave this earth and again when their name is spoken for the last time. My hope is for this to never happen. Help us keep Keegan Smith's name and memories alive!!!