Keith G. Rhea

Keith G. Rhea (84) of Austin, TX, was born on June 11, 1938 in Seiling, Oklahoma. Moving to Austin at age 4, he graduated from Austin High School, then The University of Texas, with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

He married the love of his life, Linda Dukes Rhea, in 1979, and they created a beautifully-blended family with his two sons and her two daughters in a true “Brady Bunch” fashion. He kept them entertained as the ultimate punster and teller of “Dad Jokes,” and bravely taught all 4 kids how to drive a stick shift. He happily participated however he could in their lives, and took every opportunity to tell them how proud he was of them.

Keith did crossword puzzles daily (in pen!), and enjoyed painting, writing music, cheering on the longhorns and corresponding with his friends around the country. He was a founding member of Austin High’s weekly Coffee Klatch alumni group. Most Thursdays, you would find him gathered with these lifelong friends to drink coffee at Central Market; and he kept the class of ’56 connected with his weekly emails. As his friends would attest, he had a kind heart and a generous spirit.

Above all, Keith was a dedicated family man. “Pops” loved cheering on his grandkids at their dance recitals, concerts, horse shows, soccer, football and softball games. He made history come alive for his kids and grandkids through his vivid recollections of his life growing up. One of his favorite sayings was, “Life is about making memories,” and he instilled that in his family.

Keith Rhea peacefully went to the Lord on March 10. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Maymie Rhea; brother, Robert Rhea and sister, Peggy Saunders. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Linda Rhea; sons, Robert and Scott Rhea; stepdaughters and sons-in-law, Dana & Doug Belknap, and Liz & Eddie Seade; grandchildren, Abby & Ryan Rhea, Zachary Rhea, Mallory & Shannon Belknap, Miranda, Hudson & Grant Seade; his brother and wife, Wayne & Barbara Rhea; and his treasured cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Unity Church of the Hills in Austin, TX, on Monday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105, Northfield, IL 60093; or Unity Church of the Hills, 9905 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78750.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Rhea family.