Grove airport manager remembers Toby Keith

GROVE, Okla. — After a battle with stomach cancer , country music star Toby Keith, 62, passed away Monday night (2/5).

In a statement on the singer’s social media profiles, his family said , “He fought his fight with grace and courage.” According to the statement, Keith was surrounded by family at the time of his passing, and the family has asked for privacy during this time of grief.

Keith — an Oklahoma native who had a home in the Grand Lake area — often flew in and out of the Grove Regional Airport. Airport manager, Lisa Jewett got to know Keith over the years and reflected on his passing.

“He loved this area because he could go wherever he wanted and people respected him enough to let him be. His whole family was kind and friendly, but he was such a gentleman. It was such a pleasure to get to know him and his staff. The best thing I remember about him was his quote, “let your test become your testimony.” He was so positive throughout his entire cancer journey. I’m a better person having met him. I respect the privacy of his family and will just leave it at that. They are special people with a heart for Veterans and this country. We are just so sad his journey ended, but I definitely know he was right with God.”

Lisa Jewett — Manager, Grove Regional Airport

Tributes for the singer began to pour in early Tuesday morning.

“Too many rides in my old man’s car listening to Toby Keith. Really hard thing to hear. Rest in peace friend, we love you,” said country music singer, Zach Bryan on social media .

Among his 20 Number one Billboard hits were “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “As Good As I Once Was,” “My List,” and “Beer for My Horses,” (a duet with Willie Nelson).

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