Dr. Keith Fredericks

Dr. Keith Robert Fredericks, born in Canonsburg, PA on November 7, 1948, passed away December 6th, 2015, as a result of a long battle with cancer. He was a doctor of optometry, loved by his patients who considered him family and followed him for decades. His family stood by his side as he peacefully gave his last breath. Keith bravely fought cancer for over three years while continuing to do what he loved, including serving his patients, up until the day he could no longer physically stand.

Keith is survived by his wife of 22 years, Kimberly Davis Fredericks, their two sons, Andrew Keith Fredericks and Mark Jonathan Fredericks, two children from a previous marriage to Zulema Diaz Garcia: his daughter Kristina Michelle Mohr and her husband Greg, and his son Robert Vincent Fredericks and his wife Darla; four grandchildren, Violet and Connor Mohr, and Vincent and Henry Fredericks; sisters Karen Bartlett, Jodie Hart, and Krista Collier, all of Florida; mother Etta Ruth Fredericks, also of Florida; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Bradley Keith Fredericks, from his marriage to Kimberly, and his father Robert Vincent Fredericks.

Keith completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University. He then obtained his doctorate from the University Of Houston College Of Optometry. His graduating class was first to set the standard for the optometry acceptance exam at the University of Houston. Interestingly enough, while sailing his beloved Hobie Cat, Keith met a surfer who had an extra application to the UHCO, and this sparked his journey to Houston, Texas.

From there, Keith would go on to become one of the most beloved eye doctors in the city of Houston, seeing patients from a multitude of countries and generations of families.

Keith’s personal passion was saltwater fishing. There was something about the salty ocean air and breeze that brought him such joy. In the last few years of his life, he was able to purchase his favorite Mako boat and breathe that magic air with his friends and family.

Not enough “Thank Yous” can be given to the friends and family members that helped keep Keith in the fight throughout the last three years. Special acknowledgment is due to all of the doctors and nurses, especially Dr. Khaled Jabboury, who formed a special bond with Keith, sharing the same sense of humor. To Keith’s employees, Alice Ramirez, Judith Nelson, and Thy Nguyen, thank you for helping Keith take care of his practice throughout his treatments. An obvious appreciation goes to his wife, Kimberly, for being by his side through all three years of his heroic battle. Many thanks to all of the friends and family that offered help, comfort, and immense love. A three-year fight would have been unendurable without such love in Keith’s life. And a final thank you to Keith, father, husband, and friend, for bringing so much joy to others despite his suffering.

Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 am until 11:00 am with the Funeral service at 11:00 am on Monday, December 14, 2015 at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Boulevard, Katy, Texas 77494. A private graveside service for the family will be held at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a special charity of your choice or help out someone in need, as Keith so often did himself.