John (Jack) Lawrence Keith
Jun 21, 1927 - Jan 7th, 2021- Birth Date: Jun 21, 1927
- Death Date: Jan 7, 2021
- Funeral Date: Unknown
- Location:
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Biography:
John (Jack) Lawrence Keith, 93, of Little Rock, died peacefully on January 7, 2021. John was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the seventh of nine children born to William J. Keith and Margaret Agnes (Joyce) Keith. At the age of 15, he began working part-time in a local paper mill. Although he was anxious to serve his country in World War II, at his mother’s insistence, he remained in school and graduated from Holy Rosary High School in Holyoke. He then enlisted in the Army and spent two years in occupied Germany, where he acquired the nickname “Jack.” He later attended Officer Candidate School, served in the Korean War, and spent time in Colorado, learning survival skills and setting up military exercises while assigned to a training unit.
After he left the Army, the GI Bill allowed John to obtain a civil engineering degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He found his calling as a resident engineer at project sites and spent several years at LeMessurier Associates in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he worked on many projects, including the Federal Reserve Bank, John Hancock Tower, and Boston Aquarium. He loved to travel and eventually worked on projects in Colorado, Texas, Asia, and the Middle East. When he wasn’t working, he hiked and camped extensively, using the skills he learned in the Army during winter backpacking trips.
While working in Boston, John met and married Nancy Jeter, who accompanied him on his work abroad. They eventually settled in Little Rock, her hometown, where he worked for the Army Corps of Engineers until retiring at the age of 74. He returned to the workforce twice for temporary projects, holding his last position at the age of 80. He spent his retirement enjoying his grandchildren. He maintained his love of the outdoors to the end and never gave up his walks around the neighborhood, even when he had to use a walker.
John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Keith; and sisters, Mildred Agnes Fallon, Mary Keith, Eleanor Keith, Ann Monica Rusinak, Margaret Joyce Brassil, and Agnes Joyce Horne. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Carolyn (Jeter); daughter, Sarah Keith-Bolden, and her husband, Jason Bolden; daughter, Shannon Keith Costello, and her husband, Schuyler Costello; grandchildren, Alexander and Hannah Bolden and Annora and Neil Lawrence Costello; brother, David Keith, and his wife, Peggy; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In light of the pandemic, a private funeral service will be held for John’s family at First Presbyterian Church of Little Rock. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 800 Scott Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
Condolences(06)
Marylee Robinson
#5
Jan 12th, 2021 5:55 pm
Nancy,
I just heard about Jack’s passing a few minutes ago. I am so sorry for you and your family. I know he will be missed and hopefully the fond memories will carry you through this time. Love, Marylee
I just heard about Jack’s passing a few minutes ago. I am so sorry for you and your family. I know he will be missed and hopefully the fond memories will carry you through this time. Love, Marylee
Mark Dixson
#4
Jan 12th, 2021 3:30 pm
Greatest Sympathies for the Keith family. Jack was a great guy!
Tom Clement
#3
Jan 12th, 2021 1:36 pm
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. Many prayers for you and your family.
Philip and Karen Thomas
#2
Jan 12th, 2021 12:23 pm
Jack always made me smile!!! I know he will be greatly missed by his loving family and all of us at First Presbyterian Church. We were blessed to get to know such a great man. Nancy, Sarah, Shannon --- lifting you all up that you feel God's grace and peace. Karen
Rachel W
#1
Jan 12th, 2021 10:34 am
Sarah, Shannon, and Mrs. Keith. I am sending you healing thoughts today. I remember the joy in the Crystal Court house with fond memories. Thank you for letting me share that. Love and thought to all of you!
Rachel
Rachel
You all have been in our prayers. We are sorry for your loss. May the love you shared with Jack continue to hold your family close, and God's grace give you peace.