Dr. Robert Keith Altman

He was born on May 25, 1939 to Harry and Jesse Altman. Keith graduated from Dupont High School in 1958. He received his Masters degree in Criminology from FSU and in 1981, he received his Doctorate in Theology from Luther Rice Seminary.

He had been a police officer for the Jacksonville Beach Police Dept and Captain for the Baldwin Police Dept. Keith was a volunteer firefighter and was with the Pilot Rescue in the Air National Guard. He belonged in the Gideons and the Shriners and volunteered for the Youth Mediation Office for Duval County and even though he never drank, he taught Alcoholics Anonymous. Keith was a Special Agent for the Seaboard and East Coast Railroads and was a Conductor for CSX until his retirement in 1985. He, also, owned a block of apartments and a lawn mower shop. Upon moving to Palatka in 2000, he became a volunteer chaplain for the Sheriff's Office until he had to leave to run for Sheriff in 2004. During the next several years, he volunteered as chaplain for the Palatka Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Correctional Institution in East Palatka.

He loved to ride his motorcycle, enjoyed boating, dancing and politics and had an especially soft heart for animals.

Keith was a member of the First Baptist Church in Palatka where he sang in the choir.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, of 28 years, three sons, Robb, Aaron and Dan, his sister, Jan McClintock, three grandchildren and many other loved ones.

He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A a celebration of life for Dr. Robert will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM.