John Franklin Keith

John Franklin Keith September 19, 1957 – February 24, 2007 John Franklin Keith, 49, of Lorena, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2007. After a three year battle with cancer, John died of complications from pneumonia. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, with services following at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, March 1; both being held at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. John was born, September 19, 1957 in Port Arthur, TX to Alice and Dr. Frank Keith. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1975. John entered the University of Texas at the age of 17, got his business degree in 1979, finishing in the top half of 1% of his class. He entered Baylor Law School in 1979 and received his J.D. Degree in February, 1983. Following his graduation, John purchased Lee Hardware in McGregor Texas. Since that time, Keith’s Ace Hardware has grown to seven other communities, including Brady, Clifton, Hubbard, Marlin, Red Oak, Hewitt, and Lorena. In 2005, Keith’s Ace Hardware was named the highest performing retail team in the country by Ace Hardware Corporation. John was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, who enjoyed spending time at the family ranches in San Saba and Laredo. He hunted native and exotic animals with his most recent hunt being in Africa with his son Brian. John is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Frank Keith. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Karen; his daughter, Katie; son, Brian; mother, Alice Keith of Port Arthur; sister, Betty Keith of Richardson; brother, Robert Keith and wife, Vickie of Nederland; nephew, Jason Keith; and nieces, Kimberly Freeman and Stephanie Keith. Honorary pallbearers include Bob Stout, Tom Cox, Beau Nickel, Robert Wagner, Tommy Patrick, Rod Keith, Glen Angelle, and Jack Huff. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey