Brian Keith

Brian H. Keith, 75, died peacefully at his home in Overland Park, KS, on June 1, 2015, with loving family at his side. Brian was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1940, the second child of Joseph and Vera Keith. Following a happy, and at times mischievous, childhood in Chicago, Brian left high school early to join the Marines. Brian had many memorable and formative experiences in the Marine Corps, particularly during his time stationed in Morocco, and he often recalled his service with pride. After his Marine Corps service, Brian moved back to Chicago where he met and married Judy Carlberg. Brian and Judy Keith successfully raised a family that included their three children Dan, Todd and Amy as well as their beloved St. Bernard, Annabelle. Brian and Judy were good parents. Brian had a long and wide-ranging career in the food service industry that included being district manager for some large food service companies, owning his own restaurants and, quite memorably, managing the food service operations at several prisons around the country. Brian’s hard work, modesty, intelligence, humor and ability to work with nearly anyone under any conditions enabled him and those around him to be successful. Following his retirement, Brian kept busy by volunteering for Meals-on-Wheels, the Marine Corps Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps League’s Fallen Marine program. Brian was an avid reader, a lover of history and was a fountain of miscellaneous information who enjoyed discussion and debate. Brian and Judy liked hosting parties and family gatherings, particularly around holidays, and they would spend considerable time and effort planning and preparing food and drink for such occasions, which were appreciated by all. Brian and Judy enjoyed vacationing at Captiva Island in Florida.

Brian and Judy were married for 53 years, until Judy’s death in May of 2014. Brian was also preceded in death by his parents, his sister Colleen and his brother-in-law Bill. Brian is survived by his 3 children and their spouses, Dan Keith (Melanie) of Eugene, OR, Todd Keith (Gerri) of Overland Park, KS and Amy Webb (Rich) of Overland Park, KS along with five grandchildren, his sister-in-law Cheryl, his cousin Kathe and many other relatives and friends who will remember him fondly. Brian was a proud grandfather of Natalie, Alec, Indi, Niki and Joshua. Brian’s granddaughter Natalie had this to say: “If it weren't for our grandpa (Boompa), I wouldn't know that bologna sticks to the tile backsplash, that the capital of Mongolia is Ulan Bator, how to properly taste test gravy, that the best movie is Young Frankenstein, how to give a great back rub for a quarter, the pride of the Marines, a variety of one liners and how important our little, weird family is to each of us.” In accordance with his wishes, an informal celebration of Brian’s life will be held later this summer in the form a party featuring his wonderful recipe for baby back ribs. A private inurnment ceremony will take place at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens.

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