Keith Emerson Zarker

Keith Emerson Zarker1924-2015Keith Emerson Zarker, age 91, passed away on November 27, 2015 in Houston, Texas. He was born on May 13, 1924 to Ralph and Esther (Forsgren) Zarker in Topeka, Kansas. Keith enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving aboard the USS General Omar Bundy and USS Storm King, from 1943 to 1946, attending Washburn University and graduating from the University of Kansas in 1948 with an MS degree in Chemical Engineering.Keith's professional career was with Proctor and Gamble (1948-1955) and as an executive with Shell Oil Company until he retired in 1989 to start Kezar Consulting in the oil and gas industry along with grapefruit farming in the Valley. He was active with several local charities and served on the board of Pine Forest Country Club. His personal career though was his family.He married Marie Ann Drennan in 1953 with whom he raised 3 sons: Lawrence, Kenneth, and Douglas. By tent trailer they explored the Sierras and the Rockies; lived abroad in The Hague, Netherlands; relocated across the country to New Jersey; finally settling down in Houston where he was a loyal Scoutmaster to Troop 805 (1970-1976). He unexpectedly lost his sweet Marie to cancer in 1987. Life started anew in 1988 when Keith married the lively little lady from Yoakum, Mary Alice (Peters). Keith and Mary Alice enjoyed 27 years of world travel, children, grandchildren, golf, and friends. Keith leaves behind his wife, Mary Alice, their children Lawrence (Kelley), Ken (Denise), Doug (Cathy), Michael Nelson (Barbara), and Tammy Johnson (Mike), his sister Sharil Hunt, and grandchildren: Danny (Alex), Jeffrey (Brianna), Reid, Katylin, Kourtney, Clare, Andrew, Alex, and Ethan. Service for Mr. Zarker will take place on December 4th at St. Cecilia Catholic Church located at 11720 Joan of Arc Dr. Houston, TX 77024 at 1pm immediately followed by an interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.