George E. Keith

Family-Placed Obituary



George E. Keith George E. Keith, our beloved father, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 10, 2005. His long struggle with cancer is over and he is now at peace with the Lord. He will be sorely missed by the family and friends he has gathered along the way during his 84 years of life. George was born on April 4, 1921, in Palmer, Mass., to George H. Keith and Ethel Pease Keith. He grew up in Thorndike, Mass., and left there for Texas and Europe as a member of the U.S. Army in 1943. George served as a member of the Massachusetts National Guard before going to Europe to fight in WWII. He was cited for bravery in the Battle of the Bulge and awarded the Bronze Star. While on furlough in 1945, he married his hometown sweetheart, Norma Constance Healey, in Springfield, Mass. When WWII ended he was re-assigned to Texas. After discharge they made Austin, Texas their home, and raised a family. His dear wife of 55 years, Norma, preceded him in death in 2001. He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Donald Keith of Palmer, Mass., David Keith of Three Rivers, Mass., and one sister, Marion McCormick of Palmer, Mass. He leaves behind his three sisters, Elsie Monette of Monson, Mass., Ruthie Monette, of Monson, Mass., and Audrie Monette of Palmer, Mass. George is survived by his daughters Nancy Keith Wallace (husband Joe) of Leander, Texas, Geraldene Keith Jarl (husband Duval) of Round Rock, Texas, and his son, Kelly Keith (wife Chris) of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by six grandchildren; Chris Jarl, Kerry Wallace, Matt Wallace, Ryan Jarl, Tyler Jarl, and Grant Keith; four great-grandchildren: Kyndal Jarl, Derek Camero, Whitney Camero, and Kayla Wallace. George was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church of Austin and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5967. George worked for over 50 years in the bookkeeping and accounting field in Austin. During this time he was associated with Duplex Advertising Company, Tolson Oil Company, and Westbrook Metals. He enjoyed many hours of fishing with family and friends. He enjoyed all sports but none as much as baseball. He was a lifelong fan of the Oakland Athletics Baseball Club. His historical knowledge of the Athletic players and their statistics was legend. He also taught two generations of his Texas Family the fine art of Cribbage. Playing cribbage for hours without interruption was one of his fondest activities. We, his children, wish to invite all his friends and family to join us celebrating this wonderful man's life in a Memorial Service to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2005, at Cook Walden Funeral Home with Father Larry Covington of St. Louis Catholic Church officiating. Following the memorial service the family welcomes everyone to the Keith home for refreshments. The family would like to thank Asera Hospice for their compassionate care given to our father during these last weeks. Special thanks to the care givers Edith, David and Livia ...true angels of mercy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the St. Louis Parish School Endowment Fund, 7601 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas, Asera Hospice, the American Cancer Society, or your favorite charity.