Michael John Keate

Michael John Keate, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on September 19, 2025, in Bakersfield, California, at the age of 74.
Born on July 10, 1951, in Utah, Mike was the cherished son of Ken and Donna Keate. He lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a true cowboy spirit. He graduated from BYU with a degree in Finance. Mike worked for Kern County Assessor for 28 yrs. Retiring into a full time job of a cowboy.
Mike shared the greatest joy of his life with his devoted wife Cindy Hedrick Keate, with whom he built a life filled with love and companionship. Together, along with the mother of his children, Lynette Keate Perkins, these unions built a blended family rooted in love, strength, and loyalty.
Mike was a proud father and is survived by to Katie Peck (Aaron), Kellie Sanders (Jedadiah "Chopper"), Jeff Keate (Aly), Michael Maharrey, and Mellari Fuller (Jake). His joy multiplied with the arrival of his grandchildren: Elijah, Caleb, Jessie, Alice, Izzy, and Madi-each of whom brought light and laughter into his life.
Mike is also survived by his loving siblings: Craig Keate (Laura), Margaret Levar (Paul), Kristen Howe (Jack), Robert Keate (Jeanette), Barbara Harward (Jason), and Brian Keate (Dawn).
We would like to Thank, The entire Record Ranch. Your friendship, love, and support has been unmeasurable. Special Thanks to Matt and Roselle life has been a pleasure, and extra Fun, with you two in it.
Those who knew Big Mike will remember him as a man of integrity, faith, determination, and warmth. A cowboy in this life and surely in the next, he leaves behind a legacy of love, grit, and devotion that will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and all who knew him.
He will be deeply missed but forever remembered this side of heaven.
A celebration to honor Big Mike's life will be held October 27, 2025 @ noon 2849 Harmon Rd, Bakersfield, Ca. RSVP thru messenger