Charles David Keith

Charles David Keith, 83, passed away on January 26, 2026.

Born on February 13, 1942, in Muskegon, Michigan, David was the son of Charles and Hazel Vegter Keith. He graduated from Montague High School in 1959 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master's degree in Linguistics.

David was a police officer in both California and Muskegon. He taught in several U.S. states including Michigan (Ferry, MCC Walkerville,), Florida, Louisiana, and California, and overseas in Saudi Arabia, China, South Korea, and Lithuania.

A proud veteran, David served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and continued his commitment through many years in the reserves.

David had a deep love for history and an insatiable desire to explore the world. A true traveler at heart, he visited numerous countries throughout his lifetime. His intellectual curiosity also led him to appear as a contestant on Jeopardy - and experience that reflected both his wit and wide-ranging knowledge.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Ashendorf Keith; daughters Alison (Hondo Barker) and Meredith (Tom) Kovac; grandsons Max Keith, Charles Kovac, and Samuel Kovac; and sister Kathy Jeannot. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Hazel Vegter and his sister Paula Keith.

A celebration of life will be announced later this summer.