Arthur Raymond Keith, 89, of Old River-Winfree, passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, in League City, Texas. He was born on October 31, 1929, in Temple, Texas to George and Anna Wismer Keith. Arthur was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In his younger years, Arthur was able to travel and see the world while he served his country as a United States Merchant Marine. Arthur worked as an operator for Goodyear Tire and Rubber and retired after 43 years. He was called to assist with the cleanup of the Texas City Refinery Explosion in 1978.
While living in Pasadena, Arthur worked for several years crafting a boat by hand in his garage. He named the boat Miss Karen Jean, after his daughter. In 1967, the family relocated to Old-River Winfree. Arthur obtained his commercial fisherman’s license so that he could learn the ends and outs of the cut off creek at the Trinity River. This is where he enjoyed fishing and running trotlines. He was later responsible for the creation and patent pending on the Old River Swivel and Hook.
Arthur was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Liberty and Baytown. He pursued several hobbies, some of which included his love of amateur Ham operator and citizen band (CB) radio. Arthur was also a talented craftsman and gunsmith. He enjoyed building barbeque pits and selling firewood.
Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 64 years, Betty Burton Keith; and his son Gary Ray Keith. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughter Karen Hanna-Lucas and husband Chuck Nail of League City; his son Steve Keith and wife Susan of Wallisville; his grandchildren Keri Dean and husband David of League City, Jennifer Hanna of Midland and Lora Patterson and husband Loyd of Richmond; his great-grandchildren Allison Dean, Olivia Morgan and Sara Dean; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
A graveside service and committal will be held at 10am on Saturday, January 26, 2019, in Palms Memorial Park Cemetery in Dayton, Texas.