Ronald Leon Keith

Ronald “Red” Keith, age 83, went to be with the Lord on February 21, 2020 at his home in Choctaw, OK while surrounded by family. He was born December 24, 1936 in Stillwater, OK to Jesse and Cynthia Keith. At the age of 10, Red wandered into a local recruitment office for the U.S. Marines in hopes of becoming their mascot. When asked why he wanted to enlist, the red-haired, freckled-faced boy excitedly told recruiters that he dreamed of “seeing the world.”

At the age of 17, Red realized this dream after enlisting in the Navy as a Fighting SeaBee. While serving his country, he was stationed throughout the Pacific Islands and Hawaii – a time he spoke fondly of for years to come.

While stationed in Southern California, Red met his future wife, Barbara, at a local dance. Always the charmer, Red broke the ice with her by flashing his signature smile while asking, “What part of Texas are you from?” (She was from Colorado).

The two were married in Ventura, CA on September 6, 1957 and they settled in Texas before the birth of their eldest daughter, Rhonda. After the birth of their son, Tommy, the family moved to Del City, OK where Red owned and managed a service station on 29th Street. He earned his Master Plumber’s License while in the Navy and after selling the service station, he focused his career as a master tradesman by working for various manufacturing companies as well as Safeway.

In 1965, their daughter Kimberly was born, and the family moved to their current home in Choctaw, OK shortly thereafter. In 1972, daughters Debbie and Dee joined the family and the entire Keith clan spent their childhood and teen years adventuring on the rodeo circuit.

While Red was known for his thirst for life and adventure, it was the time spent with his children that truly motivated and affirmed his approach to life.

“Family is everything,” he recently shared. “Because of mine, I am truly a rich man.”

He often spoke about each of his children and grandchildren with pride and marveled at their individual qualities. In his final weeks, he expressed deep gratitude for the love and devotion bestowed upon him.

In 2003, Barbara was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. In the months that preceded her death, Red along with his children and grandchildren banded together to care for her to ensure her final days were of utmost dignity, comfort, and care. However, on a brisk, Sunday morning in November, Barbara passed with Red by her side. They were married 46 years.

In the wake of Barbara’s death, Red reached out to a childhood friend, Thelma Coker. Growing up in Stillwater, Red and Thelma were classmates in elementary school, went to church together, and often shared family dinners as both their fathers were colleagues.

Initially, Thelma thwarted his attempts to court by saying she had no room in her life for a man. Always a man of sharp wit and charm, Red responded, “Well, how about a growing boy?”

In March of 2004, Red and Thelma married and spent the next 16 years traveling the country together and watching their family grow.

While much can be said about Red Keith, he is best represented by his actions and the impact he had on his family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers.

During the late 1960s, he worked a part time job delivering bundles of newspapers which were distributed by area paperboys. One morning, he and his son Tommy were driving to a drop when a car pulled out in front of them and crashed into their truck.

As Red got out to check on the other vehicle, he found a young family inside the car. After ensuring they were safe, the driver admitted that he wasn’t paying attention because he was more focused on finding Christmas lights for his young son.

While some may get annoyed by such carelessness, Red patiently listened as the man explained that looking at Christmas lights was the only thing he could give his family that year.

Although he never had much himself, Red immediately pulled out his wallet and gave the man everything he had with the following instructions: “You take this money and give that boy a proper Christmas. Make sure he believes in Santa Clause and tell him God loves him.”

That’s the kind of man Red Keith was. Even when the world wasn’t always kind to him, he still left things better than how he found them.

Actions like this, will be his legacy. It’s what he instilled in his family and it’s the example the Keith’s will continue to live by in his wake.

Sleep well, Cowboy. We love you more than words can describe.

Red is preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Barbara. He is survived by his wife, Thelma of Choctaw, OK; daughter, Rhonda & her husband Philip of Choctaw, OK; son, Tommy & his wife Roni of Longview, TX; daughter, Debbie Tapparo & husband Travis of OKC, OK; daughter, Dee OGee of Wasilla, AK; daughter, Kimberly Keith of Choctaw, OK; 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 5 step-children, 10 step-grandchildren; sister, Darlena Dunnam of Edmond, OK and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.