Robert E. "Bob" Keith

Robert E. “Bob” Keith, 81, of Victoria, passed away June 23, 2015. He was born on May 17, 1934 in Pep, Texas to the late Gilbert Cribbs Keith and Joy Frances Puckett Keith. He spent his youth on a farm in Whiteface, Texas. When faced with challenges of a small town not having programs available to further his education he personally researched the topics himself (e.g. Physics) and together with another classmate they taught the class, allowing them to earn credits needed to pursue an engineering degree at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Already beginning a family during his college years, he joined Air Force ROTC and worked small jobs to pay for his education and support his family. Following Texas Tech he served in the military and hoped to someday learn to fly. This was not meant to be, so he left in order pursue a career as an Electrical Engineer with E.I. du Pont. He joined Du Pont in 1956 in Orange, Texas and in 1973 transferred to Victoria, Texas, where he was a principal engineer for a plant design and construction of J unit. At the time of his retirement in 1993, he was Engineering Superintendent. Bob later served for ten years as a Director of the Edwards Aquifer Authority, and was recognized by the Texas Senate for his role in “Saving the Edwards Aquifer.” Bob loved God, his family, his community and golf. He was a servant to his community through many organizations to make Victoria a better place to live and raise a family. Robert (“Bob” forward and backward) did this working through First United Methodist, the Chamber of Commerce Board, activities with youth through 4H and the local high school. A couple of his favorite youth programs included the local rifle and parliamentary teams both of which ranked first in the state. He took time to foster young people and adults to become the best they could be. He was passionate about trying to look toward the future and encourage small business growth and economic development within Victoria.

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Doreta Smith Keith; daughters, Rhonda Vanderpool (David) of Littleton, CO. and Stacy Keith (David Stenger) of Herndon, VA; sons, Randall Keith (Kelly) of Sugar Land, and Stanley Keith of Houston; sister, Mary Helen Wall (Richard) of Lubbock; brother-in-law, Brad Rowland; sister-in-laws, Atha Leona Keith and Sandra Keith; grandchildren, John and Adam Vanderpool, Chelsea Stenger Beacom (Keith), Jena Stenger, Caleb Keith, Bailey and Briley Farmer; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ella Katherine Rowland; brothers, George Keith and Dan Keith.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 26, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 27, 2015 at First United Methodist Church followed by a reception. A private burial with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria County Veterans Council will be held later.

Pallbearers are Jack Buttram, Darwin Davis, Joe Painter, Dr. Peter Riesz, Gene Wilhoit and Jean Wood.

Memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com