Dennis Keith Fightmaster

Dennis Keith Fightmaster, 70, passed away on June 5, 2026. Born January 26, 1956, in Shreveport, Louisiana, he later made his home in Gilbert, Arizona. Known simply as Keith to most who knew him and as “Bubba” to those closest to him, Keith will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection for the steadfast love, spirited presence, and unwavering devotion he brought to the lives around him.

Raised in the one-stoplight town of Throckmorton, Texas, Keith carried his West Texas roots with pride and always considered himself a Texan at heart—even as he spent most of his life in Arizona. He loved sharing stories of small-town life and the colorful characters who shaped it, delivering them with impeccable timing and one of his many unforgettable one-liners. Through those stories and the laughter they sparked, he offered something lasting: a sense of connection, warmth, and the comfort of being together.

Keith earned an associate’s degree from Cisco Junior College and went on to build a career marked by diligence and skill as an NDT Engineer at Honeywell. His work took him around the world and to 47 of the 50 states. Though he appreciated the experiences that travel brought, his heart always pulled him home—back to the people he loved most and the life he built with them.

One of Keith’s favorite stories was arriving in Arizona as a young man with three uncashed paychecks in his pocket and leaving with something far more valuable: a loving wife, children, and the family he would build there. After a whirlwind courtship of about a month, he married the love of his life, Doris Ann Fightmaster, beginning a partnership that would span decades. Along with Doris came her two sons, whom Keith loved, guided, and helped raise as his own. Later, they welcomed their daughter, completing the family that remained the center of his world.

Keith embraced life with enthusiasm and will be remembered as a loving, boisterous, and strong-willed man who worked hard, played hard, and rested hard. He loved fishing, golfing, and following sports of all kinds—especially football. A loyal Dallas Cowboys fan throughout his life, he also cheered for the Arizona Cardinals and treasured attending games with Doris as season ticket holders, dating back to Cardinals games at Sun Devil Stadium in the Arizona heat. In his younger years, he was an avid golfer with a single-digit handicap and proudly recorded a hole-in-one at Springfield Golf Resort.

As much as he enjoyed hobbies and travel, nothing brought Keith more joy than family. He adored Doris, was proud of his children, and cherished every opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Being “Papa” was one of his greatest joys. Whether sharing stories, offering advice, or simply enjoying time together, he created lasting memories and brought laughter wherever he went. He was equally devoted to the family that shaped him, maintaining close bonds with his parents, siblings, and extended family and valuing those relationships dearly. Always willing to lend a hand, quick with a story, and never short on a memorable one-liner, Keith’s generosity and larger-than-life presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Keith is survived by his daughter, Sandra Stone (Ryan Stone); his sons, Troy Gibson (Sherry Gibson) and Jason Gibson (Kelly Gibson); his grandchildren, Jessica Homan (Ryan Homan), Ross Gibson (Amber Gibson), Taylor Gibson, Hannah Gibson, Jake Gibson, Conner Gibson, Katie Stone, and Cooper Stone; and his great-grandchildren, Jaxson Homan, RJ Homan, Raiden Homan, Bree Gibson, and Logan Gibson. He is also survived by his sister, Patti Ranae Lechuga, and his brother, Chad Ray Kirkland. In addition to his immediate family, he leaves behind a large circle of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Doris Ann Fightmaster; his grandchildren, Cameron & Emily Gibson; and his parents, William Paul Fightmaster and Eva Sandra Robinson.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Gilbert Police, Fire, and 911 teams for their swift response, professionalism, and compassion shown to our family during a very difficult time.

Keith will be remembered for his laughter, his stories, his loyalty to family and friends, and the love he shared so freely. More than anything, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, Papa, Bubba, and friend whose presence made life richer for everyone fortunate enough to know him.