Keith Verdon Tompkins

Keith Verdon Tompkins, of Houston Texas, joined his heavenly wife, Audrey, on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the age of 101. He can now hold her hand as he did when she took her last breath in 2023. Keith was with family in his home of 68 years.

Keith was born on February 11, 1924 to his parents, Charity Ruth Shults Tompkins and George Washington Tompkins in Las Animas, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 75 years, Audrey Elizabeth McDermott Tompkins. His parents, Charity Ruth and George Tompkins. His youngest daughter, Nancy Lynn Tompkins Walton, daughter-in-law Nancy Marie Tompkins, and grandson Brian Keith Tompkins. His siblings; Horace Tompkins, Jack Tompkins, Inez Fowler, and Guy Tompkins and sisters and brothers-in-law.

He is survived by his children; Ray Tompkins and wife Carol, Phil Tompkins and wife Kay, Joan Johnson and husband Roy, Gregg Tompkins and wife Lynette, Russell Tompkins and grand puppy Mitzi, Timothy Tompkins and wife Nancy, Karen Michalak and husband Robert, Glen Tompkins and wife Valencia, and son-in-law Mark Walton. Also survived by grandchildren; Casie (Andy), Cara (Jeff), Sean (Amy), Amy, Jennifer (Terry), Michael (Jamie), Anna (Gary), Nathan (Cassidy), Audrey (Eric), Allison (Jonah), Andrew (Kelsie), Eric (Amanda), Cory (Angela), Ashley (Robert), Rachel (Nick), Maddy, Emma, Tyler, Makinsey, Reed, Wesley, and many great grandchildren. Also survived by sister-in-law Ruth Tompkins and many nieces and nephews.

Keith’s childhood was primarily in The Heights (Houston) where he and his brother Guy spent most of their time together exploring the outdoors. He attended Helms Elementary, Hamilton Junior High School, and Reagan High School; all in The Heights. While at Reagan HS, he was a pole vaulter, setting multiple records, his picture hung in the hall of the school for many years.

After high school, Keith served in the Navy as a private first class aviation mechanic, while stationed in Beeville, Texas, near Corpus Christi. He was discharged at the end of WWII.

Keith’s sister, Inez, introduced Keith to Audrey. Inez and Audrey attended Massey Business College at the same time. Audrey and Keith went on a double date with his brother Guy (Guy’s date, Ruth, would be Guy’s future wife). From then on, Audrey and Keith’s future was destiny, married for 75 years! They had a beautiful family; 9 children, daughters and sons-in-law, 22 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. His heart had room for all! He kept a tally of all the new additions, even at age 99 and loved holding each and every baby! All their years together, they lived in the same home that was purchased in 1957, small but lots of love!

Keith pursued his Bachelor of Science in Geology at the University of Texas, graduating in 1953.. He had a love for all things science; the earth, space, rocks, minerals, the weather, which continued throughout his life. While at UT he was also on their track team as a pole vaulter. According to the University of Texas’ Sports Association, Keith was a “master pole vaulter” and attributed to the 1950 Southwest Conference win. His highest vault was 13 feet with a bamboo pole. While at UT Keith was recognized by UT's T-Association, which is University of Texas’ organization for letter winners. It’s a big deal! He lettered in several events throughout his time at UT. His family presented him with a T-Association ring at the age of 95 (long overdue but better late than never).He was a Longhorn through and through.

After completing college he worked as a geologist for several different oil companies; Gulf Oil was his first. Keith also worked for Coastal States Gas Production, Houston Natural Gas & Pipeline which merged with InterNorth Inc. and later named Enron, United Gas Pipeline, and Mesa Petroleum.

Keith loved all things outdoors, even receiving the nickname, Nature Boy. He loved to be outside to sit and think while paying attention to his surroundings; whether it was birds, trees, weather, wind, the moon or the stars, he loved it all. Staring up at the night sky, exploring the stars was a favorite of his.

As an adult he continued to participate in many sports. Golf, bowling, pole vaulting, coaching and umpiring Little League (also attending MANY grandchildrens’ sports games), horseshoes, diving; (high dives, back flips, gainers, mostly in his younger years, although, there was a backflip from a rope swing into a pond at the age of 80), Senior Olympics (until age 85). He loved the “game”, the statistics, the competition, and yet was very humble about his winnings. However, he did love his medals, letters, trophies, UT letter jacket and sweaters, and UT Southwest Conference blanket (burnt orange, of course), no bragging, only relishing quietly in his mind. All the while still a great family man!

Keith read the newspaper every day, in detail, front to back. He could hold a conversation about current events even at the age of 101. He spent much of his time with Audrey doing things they both loved; sitting outside on their swing, watching Wheel of Fortune, listening to music, traveling, and enjoying many other life events with each other and their families’ through the years. Some of their trips were; skiing, to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, many national parks, many states across the U.S., even nearby Sea Isle Galveston. Typically their trips were with family members. Many memories were made!

Keith's kindness shown in many ways. He always placed others first. He helped others with many projects, whether a house remodel, tearing down a wall or building a new one, repairing whatever needed to be repaired. He delivered the neighborhood newsletter, he was a good friend to all his neighbors. He was always there for others and never asked for anything in return!

There are so many words to describe Keith. He was kind, quiet, humble, patient, reserved, a thinker, a provider, a role model, a sportsman, a family man.

We’ve lost a good man who will be greatly missed by all!

We love you Daddy!

A visitation for Keith will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Pat H. Foley & Company, 1200 West 34th Street, Houston, TX 77018. A funeral service will occur Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM, 1200 West 34th Street, Houston, TX 77018. A committal service will occur Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 I-45, The Woodlands, TX 77384.

For those desiring donations, please consider the National Senior Games Association (NSGA) in Keith Tompkins’ honor; he participated in the Senior Olympics until the age of 85.

Or the Down Syndrome Association of Houston, in memory of Keith Tompkins’ and his sweet niece, Peggy Fowler.