Keith Hesselbarth

Keith Royce Hesselbarth

1929 - 2025

Keith Hesselbarth, 99, passed away September 12, 2025 at Merrill Gardens where he resided.

Keith was the youngest of eight children, three girls and five boys, born to John Benjamin and Cora Belle Hesselbarth of Abilene, Kansas. Keith's father was an immigrant from Germany and provided for his family as a carpenter. His mother not only did all the domestic chores of raising eight, but took in laundry from the neighbors, who happened to live across the street, the Eisenhower's. Their homestead in Abilene was eventually torn down to accommodate for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library.

Keith graduated from Abilene High School in 1944 and immediately enlisted in the Navy serving 22 months during WWII. After the war, he enlisted in the Navy Reserves while attending Washburn University in Topeka, KS. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, with a minor in accounting. Upon the outbreak of the Korean War, Keith was again called up to serve and spent the next 16 months in Korea.

After the war, Keith returned stateside and moved to California. He was quickly hired by Security Pacific National Bank and worked there his entire career until retirement in 1986.

He met and married the love of his life, Toby in 1956, who also worked for Security Pacific National Bank until her retirement after which the two of them moved to Santa Maria.

While working for the Bank, Keith and Toby became huge fans of the UCLA Bruins Basketball Team and took many trips traveling with the team to their games. Married almost 60 years, Keith and Toby were not only lovers, but the best of friends and traveling companions.

Keith was an avid golfer until the age of 90 and shot at least 100 games equal to or less than his age every year for eight years. He was also a master Chess player, pool shark and voracious reader.

Keith will be remembered by all as the most humble and kind GENTLEMAN with a positive attitude and sense of humor, which endeared him to everyone around him.

Keith is survived by his nephews Robert Earl Beemer and Dennis Hesselbarth and his niece, Peggy Sue Blough.

Our gratitude and appreciation to all the excellent care givers at Merrill Gardens, especially at Cypress House, where he became a favorite patient.

At his request, there will be no services.

Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.