Born in New Sharon, IA November 3, 1931, Keith graduated from Oskaloosa High School, spent one year at Iowa State University and then enlisted in the Marines.  He had tours at Marine Barracks Treasure Island and Naval Station Annapolis prior to entering USNA.  He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. USMC upon graduation, and his first duty was to marry his high school sweetheart, Gwen Christiansen of Oskaloosa. 

Upon completion of Basic School at Quantico, VA, he graduated from Artillery School, Ft. Sill, OK in 1959 and served with the 1st 105mm Howitzer Battery and the 3rd 155mm Gun Battery (Self Propelled), Twenty-nine Palms, California.  Next, he was assigned to Marine Barracks, USNS, Sangley Point, Republic of the Philippines.  Keith died suddenly August 31, 1960 while serving as Officer-in-Charge of a Special Detachment, Naval Communications Facility, Bagobantay, near Manila.

Memories of Keith are fleeting, but for those who knew him, we should know that he left a legacy.  His son, Charles Keith, graduated from Grinnell College, IA, earned a law degree from Columbia University Law School and currently works for the Iowa Attorney General; he has a daughter and a son. His daughter, Anne Elizabeth Sinnott, majored in English/Journalism at the University of Kansas, worked at the local newspaper and now is raising four daughters. 

Most importantly, his wife Gwen of Cedar Falls, IA, completed an M.A. in Education and taught in public schools until 1992.  Presently she does volunteer work and travels. Keith’s family not only speaks for themselves but for him. To a great Marine, Semper Fidelis!