Richard Eugene Keith

Richard Eugene Keith, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, in Bulverde, Texas. He was born on September 21, 1932, in Harvey, North Dakota to Frances Emma Vickerman and Veryl Vickerman. His dad passed away with Tuberculosis when Richard was a baby in 1933. His mother raised Richard and his sister, Delores Jeanne, by herself until she remarried Kirk E. Keith in 1944. Kirk adopted Richard and Delores in 1944 before he left to serve in WWII. Kirk returned home in 1946 and they were stationed in Tacoma, WA, where Richard's sister, Karen Keith, was born. Richard graduated from high school in Salinas, CA with honors. He was a champion Pole Vaulter and won trophies for his school. Richard's dad was stationed in Fort Bliss (El Paso, TX) where Richard started college at Texas Western, which is now UTEP. Richard was in ROTC in College and graduated with honors. Richard put himself through college, first working at a small corner grocery store, and then he started working loading trucks for AT&T. When Richard finished his tour of duty as a Second Lieutenant in the Army, they moved back to El Paso and he went back to work at AT&T, where he worked as a Project Manager for the next 35 years, until he retired. As a young dad Richard was a Boy Scout leader for his sons dens. He loved to take his family water skiing on the lake. He was an avid sailor and belonged to the Canyon Lake Yacht Club for many years. Richard was a long-time member and President of the San Antonio HO Model Train Club. He loved driving his sports car in gymkhanas and won several trophies. Richard was admired, respected, loved by friends, colleagues, and, of course, his entire family. He touched the lives of so many. He always loved animals and would take care of strays, taking them to the vet and feeding them.

Richard and his first wife and mother of his 5 children, Charlotte, were married in his last year of college. Richard was a loving dad to Robert Allen Keith, Steven James Keith, Penny Sue Calkins, David Wayne Keith and Kelly Ann Oliver. He was a proud and loving Grandpa and great-grandpa.

Richard married Nancy L. Clark in September of 1974. Richard and Nancy enjoyed many years of traveling in their motor home, sailing, and camping. Richard shared much of his time with Nancys children: Mindy Nelson, Michael Adkins, David Clark, John Clark and Paul Clark, as if they were his own. They looked to Richard as a father figure.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Kirk and Frances Keith; sister, Delores Rozzano and her husband, Lester; younger brother, William Keith; sons, Steven Keith and David Keith; grandsons, Corey Mace & Richard Oliver.

A Service will take place Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 12:30 PM at Porter Loring Mortuary North. Rev. Mike Michie will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ASPCA.