Robert KEITH

Robert Glenn Keith passed away on July 17, 2009 at his home in Lake Havasu City, AZ; with his wife Barbara by his side, at the age of 76. He was born at home on the “Hobe Ranch” west of Madera, CA; on September 28, 1932 to Henry Bailey and Ida Beatrice (Moran) Keith. Attending was Dr. Hawkins of Madera, CA. At the age of one (1933), the family moved to McFarland, CA; Kern County, where Robert’s father leased an 80 acre farm on Peterson Road, Approx. 1 ½ miles west of Highway 99. Robert started his education in September of 1938 at McFarland Grammar School, 1st, grade). At the age of eleven (1943), the family moved to Tulare County, between Earlimart and Delano, CA. He was in the 5th grade at this time and attended Earlimart Grammar School through the 8th, grade (1946). Robert attended high school in Delano, CA; and graduated in June of 1950. He then attended college at California Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo, CA; for one year majoring in soil conversation. However the Korean War was on, so he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on March 29, 1951 for four years and three months. During this time, Robert served in Korea, Japan, France and the United States. In Korea, he was attached to the 5th, AF, 67th, Tac Recon, with a B-26 squadron at Kimpo Airbase (K14). He was honorably discharged on June 4, 1955 at the age of 22 and at the rank of A/1C. Robert received the following decorations during his service; Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars; United Nations Service Medal; National Defense Service medal; and the Good Conduct Medal. Robert started work with Lockheed Aircraft Co., in Ontario, CA; on July 26, 1955 at the age of 22, as an aircraft instrument mechanic and test flight crew member for almost 5 years. His career with Lockheed was to last for 34 years, which during 1957 he met and married Kay Steinle. Robert worked with Lockheed missile 7 Space Co., at Vandenberg A.F.B. for 12 years as an electronic launch tech, launching government and NASA space satellites. He was involved in approx. 200 launches between April 1960 and February 1972. Robert went to work with Lockheed Ocean Systems in Redwood City, CA; as an electronics/electrical marine tech. He continued his career with Lockheed in the Sunnyvale, CA; plant. Robert and Kay divorced in 1979.Robert worked on “Black Programs”, as they were called from 1972 until his retirement in 1989. These were top secret government programs, vital to the national defense. He advanced to the title of Manufacturing Supervisor, and at the time of retirement was program planner, senior (salary grade 9). During this time, Robert married Barbara Ruth Gunther Jensen. They married in Las Vegas, NV; on December 28, 1984 and lived in Cupertino, CA; until retirement on April 30, 1989, where they then moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ.Robert is survived by his loving wife Barbara; children, Lori Baldavez and husband Nick of Paso Robles, CA; Lisa Hunstad of Arroyo Grande, CA; Randall Keith and wife Tera of Santa Maria, CA; step-children; Cheryl Wright of Red Bluff, CA; Kenneth Jensen and wife July of San Jose, CA; Mark Jensen of San Jose, CA; brothers, J.C. Keith of Delano, CA; Carl Keith of Boise, ID; grandchildren; Lauren Hamilton, Chad Hunstad, Cody Hunstad, Taylor Keith, Mikela Keith, Jacob Wright; great granddaughter, Addison Faith and many nieces, cousins and friends.Robert was a big “Nascar Fan”! He will be missed very much by his family and friends.“I mourn your passing, but celebrate the joy you brought to my life”. (These are words from his wife).Condolences and thoughts can be made to his family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.