Frank Keith

A Celebration of Life for Franklin D. Keith, 90, of Huntington will be held Friday, September 8, 2023. The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Carroway Funeral Home in Huntington. Graveside services with military honors will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Cochran Cemetery with Brother Lamar Denby officiating. Lunch will be provided at Highway Missionary Baptist Church.

Frank was born February 22, 1933 in Barnwell, Alabama to Clara Bell (Steele) and George Washington Keith. A classic depression era baby born into a poor household, he grew up in Wagerville and lost his mother at a young age. He was raised by his aunt, uncle and older sister. On rare occasions he would share stories of going to school without shoes and skipping lunch to put that money toward a baseball glove.

At the age of 17, he hitchhiked to Texas in search of his father. Poorly received, he joined the Marine Corp and served in the Korean War. While on leave, he met Nelda “Nell” Schoubroek. Upon her passing in 2021, they had been married for 67 years.

Frank and Nell had three children. He was a strong, protective, strict father.  His children all agree that his authoritarian ways contributed to their successes in life. Frank never spoke negatively about others and was always willing to help those in need. He was an active, faithful church servant. He was generous with his money and his time. If something needed fixing, they knew who to call.

Frank was great at working with his hands and single handedly built his family’s first home. He attended night school for 3 years to earn his GED. Frank retired from Amerada Hess after 40 years as a maintenance supervisor. He even moved his family to St. Croix for a short time and was instrumental in building the world’s largest oil refinery of the time.

Frank was a gifted athlete and an avid bowler, considered by many to be one of the best in the Houston area. He amassed numerous 300 (perfect game) and rare 800 series rings. His family enjoyed many nights bowling together in various leagues.

Frank’s other passion was his farm in Huntington, Texas. He spent many weekends and holidays maintaining it and caring for his livestock. He finally fulfilled his dream of living there in 2021.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Vickie and Randy Jordan; sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Donna Keith, and Patrick and Dottie Keith; grandchildren, Britt Frey (Jihee), Kolton Keith (Indi), Kanan Keith, Kevin Keith, Andrew Keith, Emma Keith, Donald Egan (Nick), Kerry Anne Egan, Jamie Gabriel, and Shane Jordan; four great-grandchildren; and brother, Claude Keith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nelda Ruth (Schoubroek) Keith; and sisters, Sister “Debbie”, Georgia Bell and Mary.

While they appreciate your sentiment, the family is requesting no flowers or plants. Donations may be made to a local Humane Society or local church.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Huntington, directors.