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Keith Zarker Obituary
1924-2015
Keith Emerson Zarker, age 91, passed away on November 27, 2015 in Houston, Texas. He was born on May 13, 1924 to Ralph and Esther (Forsgren) Zarker in Topeka, Kansas. Keith enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving aboard the USS General Omar Bundy and USS Storm King, from 1943 to 1946, attending Washburn University and graduating from the University of Kansas in 1948 with an MS degree in Chemical Engineering.
Keith's professional career was with Proctor and Gamble (1948-1955) and as an executive with Shell Oil Company until he retired in 1989 to start Kezar Consulting in the oil and gas industry along with grapefruit farming in the Valley. He was active with several local charities and served on the board of Pine Forest Country Club. His personal career though was his family.
He married Marie Ann Drennan in 1953 with whom he raised 3 sons: Lawrence, Kenneth, and Douglas. By tent trailer they explored the Sierras and the Rockies; lived abroad in The Hague, Netherlands; relocated across the country to New Jersey; finally settling down in Houston where he was a loyal Scoutmaster to Troop 805 (1970-1976). He unexpectedly lost his sweet Marie to cancer in 1987.
Life started anew in 1988 when Keith married the lively little lady from Yoakum, Mary Alice (Peters). Keith and Mary Alice enjoyed 27 years of world travel, children, grandchildren, golf, and friends.
Keith leaves behind his wife, Mary Alice, their children Lawrence (Kelley), Ken (Denise), Doug (Cathy), Michael Nelson (Barbara), and Tammy Johnson (Mike), his sister Sharil Hunt, and grandchildren: Danny (Alex), Jeffrey (Brianna), Reid, Katylin, Kourtney, Clare, Andrew, Alex, and Ethan. Service for Mr. Zarker will take place on December 4th at St. Cecilia Catholic Church located at 11720 Joan of Arc Dr. Houston, TX 77024 at 1pm immediately followed by an interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
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Memories and Condolences
for Keith Zarker
Sponsored by Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery.
6 Entries
ed dardis
December 17, 2015
Mary Alice>>..so so sorry to hear about your loss.
Keith was always wonderful to talk to and easy to get along with. I know he will be missed. Luv to you and your family
Valerie Beckham Wellsprings Village
December 4, 2015
Prayers and condolences from Wellsprings Village to the family. Keith was a very dedicated volunteer who supported us tremendously as he has with other charitable organizations. We are grateful for his wisdom and knowledge and his keen sense of humor. Soar with the angels my friend!
Ken & Diane Kramer
December 4, 2015
Our deepest condolences to the entire Zarker family and especially to Mary Alice. Keith lived a long and full life, and we hope the memories of all the good times with him will be of some comfort to the loved ones he leaves behind. Keith's legacy includes three great sons, of which he was undoubtedly proud, and one of his sons, Ken, and his own family have been special friends to us for a long time.
Patrick Lanier
December 3, 2015
JJ
December 1, 2015
So sorry for your loss . My condolences to the family .
Carla Reid Martinez
December 1, 2015
Keith was a devoted grandfather to my niece and nephew. He inspired much love of adventure and the outdoors in my brother in law. I am very sorry for your family's loss. May he be with you always in hearts and memories.
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