Robert Francis Keith

Robert Francis Keith
formerly of Owego
Robert Francis Keith died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 20, 2007. He was born December 30, 1936 in Gowanda, N.Y. to Emma V. Keith. Bob graduated from Owego Free Academy in 1954. He was a former United States Marine and worked for several years as a television producer during which time he traveled extensively. In 1979 he graduated from Southwest Texas State University and in 1982 received a Master of Divinity from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. He was ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church in 1983 after assisting at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Owego. He spent the majority of his ordained ministry in Texas, serving as the Assistant Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in San Antonio and the Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in New Braunfels. He spent time as a missionary with the Diocese of Uganda. After retirement, he moved to Tiger, Ga., where he served as a regional supply priest. His joy and zest for life was shared with his many friends across the country. He loved to cook, especially on the grill, and enjoyed sharing food and fellowship with everyone who was lucky enough to know him. He is survived by his wife, Portia Wimp; his two sons, Christopher R. Mathewson-Keith and wife, Michelle, Ft. Collins, Colorado and Timothy O. Mathewson-Keith and his wife, Kaaren, Denver, Colorado; his daughter, Pamela A. Jensen, Colorado; two stepdaughters, Kellie A. Mysinger and her husband, Paul, Bowling Green, Kentucky and Stacey K. Pounds and her husband, Bryn, Marlow, England; nine grandchildren, Lara, Kayla, Molly, Tara, Tyler, Casey, Amanda, Cristina, and Angela; and one stepgrandchild, Audrey.
A memorial service was held at St. James Episcopal Church in Clayton, Ga. on October 23rd. An additional memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in New Braunfels, Tex. on November 8, 2007 at 11 a.m. Memorial gifts can be made to your favorite church or charity.