Harry Keith

Harry E. Keith, 93, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away Wednesday afternoon, May 25, 2011 at CRMC. Harry was born on January 30, 1918 in Alto Pass, Illinois to Harry E. and Laura Mae Smith Keith. He grew up in Alto Pass where he received his high school education. After high school he continued his education taking college courses. He received his Private Pilot license. Harry was a Proficient Aerobatic Aviator. On October 1, 1939 he was united in marriage to the love of his life Mary Alice Lee the couple married in Illinois and in 1945 they made Coffeyville their home. Harry served as a member of the Army Corp of Engineers during World War II at the White Horse Airbase in Alaska where he helped construct the Al Can Highway to Alaska. He was a General Contractor for Highway Construction projects. He was the founding principle of Harry Keith amp Sons and several subsidiaries. He was a member of: the First Baptist Church, Ticker Tape Stock Club, Experimental Aircraft Association, Funk Flyers Association, the Associated General Contractors of America, Kansas City Operating Engineers Union 101, and the Coffeyville Country Club. Harry loved to fly all kinds of airplanes such as gliders, biplanes, and monoplanes. He was an avid hunter in his earlier years. He enjoyed rebuilding and restoring old cars and airplanes. Harry really enjoyed working. He will be forever thought of as a wonderful role model and teacher. He loved his family most and enjoyed all the time spent with them. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary of the home children, Harriett KeithWilson and husband, Mike of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Roger Keith and wife, Sandra of Tulsa, Oklahoma, John Keith and wife, Gale of Coffeyville, Ks, Ed Keith and wife Jane of Coffeyville, Ks, Elizabeth KeithMessersmith and husband, Greg of San Francisco, California thirteen grandchildren twenty greatgrandchildren and three greatgreat grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Laura brother, John D. Keith and a sister, Evelyn KeithHoyle. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the PenwellGabel FordWulfBruns Chapel in Coffeyville. Reverend Ray Newman will officiate. Friends may call on Friday, May 27, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to sign the guest register at the funeral home. Family will greet friends Friday evening at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Coffeyville or to the CRMC Foundation. These may be left with the funeral home.