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Keith Carper Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Keith Carper
Richard Ford Belote
January 3, 2025
I miss you, pops.
You are always in my heart. I am reminded of you in so many songs that I hear. Just this morning I heard "These Days" and I could see you standing in the living room in your shorts and t-shirt plucking away and singing to nobody but me and the dogs.
God I wish you were here right now, just for a moment so I could ask you if you were proud of me. Those words will forever mean the world to me..."C'mere, Richie. I'm proud of you my boy, you know that?"
I wish I would have spent more time with you before you left.
I love you.
-Richie
Carol
September 22, 2021
I am missing you so much, I can't believe so much time has passed. See you soon. Love you.
Kari Young
September 22, 2021
I think of you almost Every day. I wish you were here I wish I could see your smile and just enjoy our time together. I hope you´re out there playing music with Hal. Love you.
Alan Carper
September 28, 2019
Remembering Keith. His passing has left a hole in our lives that will never be filled. Love you brother. Alan Carper
Kari Young
September 22, 2019
Keith I think of you all the time. I miss your smile and your friendship. Sometimes its just hearing a song that I knew you liked. Wish you were still here. We will meet again someday! Hope your kicking back playing music with all the other great artists up there.
Rhonda Hocker
October 31, 2009
As each day passes it becomes harder to believe that Keith has passed.I live each day watching his brother Alan Carper live with his loss.He talks of the life he shared growing up with Keith and David.I had been fortunate enough to have known Keith for 8 years. Alan tells me of these special times they shared and I see in his eyes and hear from his mouth how very much he loved Keith. This loss has been so hard on him and all of those that loved Keith.May Keith live on in all of us in some way. May it be his kindness, his music or just watching the History Channel that he so enjoyed. Maybe it will be as we discuss politics... or visit a music store or for me... listening to Alan play and talk of Keith.
He was truly loved by his brothers and many more. I miss you as well Keith. All my love and prayers to Carol, Chelsea and of course, Alan and David.
Kari Young
October 13, 2009
I will always love Keith also he was my best male friend ever. I met him on his first tour to California and remained friends for 18 years. I shared so many fun times and travels with Keith. He was a fun loving, caring and gifted man. I will cherish our friendship forever. I know we will someday meet again. To Carol and his family my prayers are with you to all his other friends and fans god bless you. He was loved by so many.
Carol Jones
October 9, 2009
I will always love Keith. He was my best friend, We did almost everything together.I have been out weeding his garden and crying because he is not here with me.It goes to show you, you never know how much time you will have with someone you love. So don't waste it . You never know it, can all end in a flash. Trust me, I know
KATHLEEN PERRINI
October 5, 2009
As with everyone else,I was shocked to hear of Keiths' passing. The last time i saw Keith's was at the Birchmere
He gave me a big hug and I remember thinking how strong he was....Who would have thought... my heart and prayers go out to his loved ones.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Perrini
October 5, 2009
Was totally shocked to hear the news of Keith's passing. Always enjoyed talking with him. He was a huge talent and I will miss him.
Kent Martin
SRO Productions
Curtis Wright
October 3, 2009
What a great great player. Hardly knew Keith, but he was one of the best.
Susan Dennis Lawrence
October 3, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Keith Carper. I last saw Keith on a stage in Austin in the late 80's?, before that it was jazz night at the old Crossroads mall in Roanoke! Always smiling and having fun, the world will miss him dearly!
The Crocker Family
October 3, 2009
Sending our deepest condolences to Keith’s close friends and family. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. We are truly blessed for having known him, his music, and contagious smiles. These memories will live on forever.
Brian Jones
October 3, 2009
No matter what the circumstances, Keith always had a kind word, a smile on his face, and something up his sleeve.
Tony Piro
October 3, 2009
Keith and I use to share a little white house in Roanoke, VA late 70's early 80's and shared our dream together and, that was to play music. I played drums and man did he play the bass. There wasn’t a song he couldn’t play and that was an immense inspiration to me. I learned a lot from Keith. He made me play! Perform rhythms and chops I didn’t know about just to keep up with him and that was a good thing. We ended up calling our rhythm section “Fatback”. I took that given knowledge and feel and used it throughout my musical endeavor with the band Cimarron and then to Nashville. Keith and I hooked up again while residing in Nashville. . Hung out, talked and what? You guessed it “listen to music”. He just told me about the job with Hal Ketchum and that he was thinking about moving to Texas. It seems that was probably the best decision he ever made because what I have viewed and heard in the past several days were the warm and generous thoughts of people who befriended and love him dearly. I too will miss him dearly and will never, never forget the times we had and shared together.
Play me a song Keith. . alias “Petey”
I will play for you. . I will miss you and we will together- someday play again.
Love you, Tony Piro
Mark Slone
October 3, 2009
38 years ago there was a drummer and guitar player jamming 3 cord songs in a cave spring area basement. With the guitar player was a 12 year old friend who was fasinated with the sounds and rythmn we could generate. A bass guitar and amp was purchased from Colonial Music and this 12 year old boy became obsessed with making music. He quickly rose to be an outstanding musician and loved my many. The memories of Keith and the support from his wonderful Mom and Dad will live in my mind forever. My heart felt sympathy goes out to his family and all of his friends. God bless you all.
Suzanna Eckchum
October 2, 2009
Keith you gave us so much of you, Thank you Friend!
I remember the talks keith and I had beside Hal's tour bus,and later phone conversations on recording together. Keith always filled the air with mischief and laughter. I loved sitting in on sound checks. Keith always made me feel welcome. Keith's smiles were contagious, he had fun with life. I know Keith will always be with us playing his bass and enjoying those cinnamon rolls. Thanks for the everlasting memories keith!
To his family and friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you. As Keith was surrounded with love, his love will surround you.
Peace & Harmony,
Suzanna Eckchum
Robin Woods
September 30, 2009
Oh Keith - how you will be missed, as a friend and musician. To his daughter, his partner and his family, I send you my deepest condolences. We had some great times as CSHS. Keith was a wonderful friend whose passing brings such sadness.
Chuck Davis
September 30, 2009
I started playing music with Keith when we were 16,and he was already playing Yes & Allman Bros.,or anything he put his mind to.As a young drummer,he kept me challenged to keep up.We played in many bands together as rhythm section & we went to Berklee together.He loved the Va. mountains & gardening as much as he did music.I loved him dearly & will forever miss him.
Claude (Laddie) Hale
September 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jeri and Dan Fouts
September 29, 2009
We were fortunate to be able to spend time with Keith and Carol during their visit to Oregon in April when Keith performed with his dear friend Hal Ketchum at a benefit concert to raise money for local schools. Keith's brilliance on stage was matched by the beauty of his spirit. He was kind, gentle, funny, caring, gracious and giving. One of the highlights was when Keith and Hal played "Hang in There Superman" with five middle school singers, and "Five O'Clock World" with three high school performers, and made them all feel so comfortable and welcome. We send our deepest sympathies to Carol and his family. Our hearts are with you.
Melany Franklin
September 28, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go to the family of Keith Carper. I graduated from Cave Spring High School in 1977. I knew of Keith Carper, because of his talents. I am deeply saddened to hear of his unexpected passing.May God be close to all of his family and friends during this tragic news. God Bless!
Vickie Vest
September 28, 2009
To all the family and loved ones,
Please know that my prayers and condolences are with you all. I was so shocked to hear of his passing as I am sure is everyone else. Keith will always have a special place in my heart, as all the Carper family. He was one of the most unique persons I have ever had the pleasure to meet. What a tragedy to have lost such a wonderful and talented person. Keith will not ever be forgotten. He is truly a legend.
Love and Blessings,
Vickie Haskins Vest
Cindy Loving
September 28, 2009
My condolences to the family of a bright and gentel light.
Keith was a close friend of my brothers in Roanoke,Va.
A quick and infectious smile and hearty laugh. He was a fixture at our home during my teens. I remember our trips to West Virginia with my family. Keith would bring a small amp and of course his beloved instrument. A favorite memory is a personal concert in our living room when I requested him to play his stand up Bass. "Laura's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago still resonates in my mind to this day.
Rest in peace and God be with you -Dear Keith.
Cindy Thompson Loving
Constance Trainer
September 28, 2009
God Bless Keith Carpter's family during this most difficult time. Do know that Keith was a bright spot to many, many fans over the last two decades as he shared his gift of music and that unforgettable smile. Keith always had time for his fans - and it was so very appreciated. He was a kind soul and oh so gentle spirit. Rest in peace dear Keith.
Bonnie Davis-Knighton
September 28, 2009
Keith was a very talented individual. I remember all the band practices in our house for so many years. He was like another brother to me. His talents will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his loved ones. Try and find peace in all the wonderful memories you shared with him.
Ginny Shaw
September 28, 2009
I knew Keith from Cave Spring High School that we attended together in Roanoke VA. I have kept up with him each time he played in the state I lived in at the time when touring with Hal Ketchum. I got to visit with him several times, once in Texas and I just saw him last year in October here in Denver, CO, I got to visit with him in his hotel room, it was so good to see him and visit with him. I almost missed him and am so glad now that I got to visit with him, hug him and that he knew I cared and was a friend. I know it meant alot to him also seeing someone from home as well. I am hoping that someone will contact me and let me know what happened to him, since I am in CO, I was notified by a friend who currently is still in VA. He will be missed so much! and I was devastated to hear the news about him. My thoughts prayers and love go out to his family and friends. If anyone wishes to contact me that would be great. [email protected]
Rhonda Hocker
September 28, 2009
September28,2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to Keith's daughter Chelsea, brothers Alan,David,nieces, nephew India, Micah, Jennifer and Anna. Special thoughts for his partner Carol. May each of us hold our memories of Keith close to us.
Jimmie Landry
September 28, 2009
Keith and I played at Ippy's on Franklin road in 1983. He was one of the best I had the honor to play with.
Jimmie Landry
David Gibson
September 27, 2009
David, Alan and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We loved Keith and he will be greatly missed.
David & Janet Gibson
September 27, 2009
David,
My love, thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you come home soon.
Love,
Robin
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