Donald William Keith

Donald William Keith passed away on February 28, 2019 after a long illness. Born on April 15, 1938 in Covington, Kentucky to Willie Mae Stewart and Lawrence Gayle Keith, Don was best known for his love of family, music and his favorite German shepherds. At age 8, He was brought to Miami, Florida by his mother and father, They towed a small trailer and it as situated in the Belle Aire trailer park of Miami. His father returned to Kentucky supposedly to tie up affairs but never returned. Don soon was helping his mother, working various jobs such as delivering afternoon papers on his bicycle, washing dishes in a diner, stocking shelves in a grocery and then assisting the owner in a lamp store. At age 15, he received his first guitar, taught himself to play by ear, picking up other stringed instruments along the way. He was a member of the early Dixieland Playboys band during the early 50's and even did square dancing with a small troupe. At 17 he enlisted in the Marine reserves and later served with the Coast Guard. It was during his time stationed in St. Petersburg on the Nemesis that he met his wife Elizabeth (Betty) on a blind date and they began a love affair that lasted for more than sixty years. After leaving the Cost Guard, Don joined the St. Petersburg Police Department and served for over 20 years. During this time he demonstrated a unique rapport with the citizens, even having more than on child named in his honor. Retiring from the Police Department, Don went on to work in security and then began to use his ability to influence people while working for AAA and later in real estate. His friends and neighbors will remember a man with a dry and ready wit, a willing teacher, helper and advisor and someone who demonstrated kindness in quiet ways. His family will remember the sword fighting with empty Christmas paper rolls and hanging light that was repaired more times than could be counted; the 3 am vacation starts and questions of how far?, how long? Always answered with "40 miles or 40 minutes". He loved taking his family to National Parks and exploring unknown back wood dirt roads, even when he had to drive in reverse after meeting another car. His children will remember the love he showed every day for his wife; the examples he set even when he made mistakes. He never forgot anything, noticed everything and you knew that he would tease you about things even years later. Survived by his wife, Elizabeth L. Keith, his children, Mark and Debra Keith; his daughter-in-law, Virginia; grandchildren Jacob and Alyssa Keith-Norman; his "adopted daughter" Jill Drake, plus friends and neighbors. He will be missed more than he would ever have believed! The Memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 23 2019, at 1 pm. Interment will at a later time at Bay Pines National Cemetery.