Keith was a wonderful, kind man we loved and enjoyed knowing.  Mary and Keith, and Trevor and I became friends while living in Chicago.  We were young and silly then, and had the best time together.  Keith was always the "grown up" in the room -- but with a wry humor and funny wit.  When Sarah came along, I remember Keith was over-the moon in love with her.  It was as if he was always meant to be a dad.  It is difficult to believe Keith is no longer with us.  We will miss him.

Mary and family,  I am so sorry for your loss of Keith.  He was a man of integrity and kindness and has died too young.
Mary and I worked in doctors' offices across the hall from each other at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. We met every morning for breakfast, and I lived in an apartment next door to the beautiful old greystone house that Mary and Keith were rehabbing.  I spent a lot of time at their house during those days and missed them when they moved to NY.  Keith was Mary's rock and will be missed very much by Mary and their family.  Sending love. Zan and Phil Lofgren

I remember the first time I met Mr. Houmes, I do not recall the exact conversation. I do however, vividly remember his soft-spoken and kind nature that exuded an air of acceptance and tranquility. I will always remember that, and I will always admire the man he was and the man he will always be, in the memories of those who knew and loved him.  My sincere condolences 
to Sarah, Tyler, Mary, George, Loretta, and the many others who are saddened by this great loss. His memory lives on in all of us.   

Keith was an exceptional man of kindness, patience, and the epitome of a family man.  Over the years though various hijinks and shenanigans  I gave both Keith & Mary plenty of reasons to write me off.  Instead they were beyond kind, warm, welcoming and inviting.  I will forever remember the warm and inviting feeling of their Walker Hill home.  From the moment I stepped foot in their home each time, smelled the wood fire, and saw their smiling faces I always felt a sense of calm and belonging.   Keith’s family values were disseminated thoroughly into Tyler and Sarah.  They both are strong, resilient, assertive, kind, sympathetic, empathetic, intelligent and loving.  This came directly from Keith & Mary.  In that Keith will live on for generations.  I’m proud to have known Keith.  I feel better off because of it.  And if I measure up to half the father and family man as he was I’ll be happy.  God bless the Houmes family! 

Keith was a year ahead of me during our 12 years attending East Lynn Schools.  He was a neighbor - living 1 mile east; a mentor - excelling in shot put and discus in track; a friend - helpful, quiet, strong, and humble; a protector - the school bully feared him; and a kind person with a heart of gold.  Even though High School graduation separated our lives, he impacted my life in many positive ways.  I was blown away by his death.  He always represented the epitome of health with few bad habits.   Prayers for his family.  Keith's untimely, early departure is another reminder that our days are numbered; and we all must make every day proactive, productive and positive. 



I loved him from the day I met him. So sorry for your loss of such a sweet man. 

I worked with Keith for many years.  He was a quiet,  unassuming man,  but had a great sense of humor. One of my favorite memories was that his preferred writing instrument was a pencil worn to a tiny nub, of which he always seemed to have several.
For the last two years prior to his retirement,  we were golf partners,  a game he took more seriously than I did,  but he never made me feel the poor player I was, instead offering continuous encouragement. 
Keith was a good employee,  a good friend,  and a good man.  He will be missed.
Mike Peckham 

OBITUARY

Herschel "Keith" Houmes, II

October 21, 1946 – December 22, 2021

Waring Sullivan Cherry Place Funeral and Cremation Service

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