Gordon E. Keith

1924 - 2015

Keith Gordon E. Keith, age 91, of Upper Arlington, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2015. He was born February 20, 1924 in Columbus to the late Lawrence and Thelma Keith. He was a graduate of North H.S. and attended the Columbus Art School for many years. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the 1621 model making detachment assigned to the 5th Army under General Patton in North Africa and Italy. After the war, he started his first business in Boston and soon thereafter moved to Indian Lake, OH with his brother and sister. He married Dorothy Marshall and opened Gordon Keith Originals in Columbus. He created many displays such as the talking tree for Lazarus, the outside nativity for State Auto, the Street of Yesteryear at the old Cosi, the 12 panel screen and voiceover for the American Freedom train in 1976. Served as President of NADI from 1964-66. He worked for Congressman Wylie's TV spots and campaign headquarters. Gordon studied under Chester Nickodemus and Conger Metcalf in the Army. He painted over 6000 original paintings and sold paintings to the Lincoln LeVequeTower for their remodel in 2012. Gordon worked on projects all over the world including helping Frank and Joe Byers build the Tiki Gardens at Indian Rocks Beach. Gordon was a member of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Gordon was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy (Jean) Keith, second wife, Betty (Barr) Keith, and brother Eugene Keith. Gordon will be missed by his loving son, Gregory Keith; and sister, Thelma Rogers. Family will receive friends Saturday, February 28, 2015 from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 5 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd., Columbus. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2015 in the chapel at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Columbus. Contributions may be made in the form of flowers to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 2545 Farmers Dr. #300, Columbus, OH 43235 www.wish.org .Visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories or condolences.