Birth date: Nov 12, 1938 Death date: Jun 23, 2020
Tom J. Keith, 81 of Bentonville, Arkansas died of a brief illness at his home on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. He was born November 12, 1938 in Dutch Creek, Arkansas in Yell County as the son of Elder Wesley J. Keith and V. Elaine (Stan Read Obituary
Henri, I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Although we had not seen each other a lot in the last few years I always considered him a close friend. We became friends in the mid 1980's when we were both on the Democratic Central Committee and I was always amazed at his legal mind while at the same time calm understanding of how the law affected real people. Above all he was a kind soul and I will miss not being able to talk to him. Elvis Moody
Dearest Henri, Sean and entire Keith family.
My heart is heavy with thoughts of you all going through the loss of our dear husband, father, family member and great friend to so many. I know we can’t live forever, but in his case you never thought about him ever being GONE! He was always full of stories and words of knowledge to our questions. On the other end of the phone line I could always imagine that “grin” when he answered instead of Terri. I could never say anything at first. So many memories.
Dearest Henri, you will have the hardest time of us all. I wish I could take the pain and loneliness away but I can’t. You will be in my prayers and my thoughts as you continue your life’s journey without your dear sweetheart.
I considered him my friend, my mentor and MY JUDGE! One day we will all rejoice together. What a beautiful time to look forward too.
I consider it a privilege to have known and loved him!!!
Ladeana Hency—
Our condolences to Henri and the Keith Family. I worked with Judge Keith on a couple of occasions and knew him personally in some political situations...great to work with...very straightforward.
Duane and Mary Neal
Our condolences to the Keith family on the loss of a great man. We will remember him for his sincerity and service to the community.
Maritza and Robert Klock
Henri, Sean, Lynn
The three of you who I have been honored to meet over the years. I want to write to extend my sincere sadness to you and your extended family. Henri, we now have fond memories of our past dinners we shared with the Karren's and especially the one when Tom invited us to Mcdonalds for a dessert after dinner and continued with the many stories in his life. And I have to let you know how privileged I was to take over the Baillif position after Chuck left. That was a huge highlight in my career working close with Terri, Kathryn and Sandra behind the front line of the court room. My most funny moment was my first Civil trial (of which I learned later he hated) he was taking a "Judicial" break as I opened his private door I asked him if he needed a few minutes to make his decision and his response, Hell No, I did that an hour and a half ago. I cracked up after that. We sure had a great relationship and I sure enjoyed serving lunch with a one burner cook top which forced my ideas what to serve but it seemed we all enjoyed it. Barbara and I both want to say we will think of the two of you often. With Love, Scott
Judge Keith was special man. I was proud to have been his Court Bailiff for three years. I will always cherish our court days in Carroll County and our breakfast get togethers at the Blue Plate across from the Eureka Courthouse. Having known and worked for the man will always be a blessed time in my life. I will always remember him as a good friend, a great boss, and an honest and fair judge. Tom Fortune
I DID NOT KNOW MR. KEITH WELL, BUT HE WAS ALWAYS CORDIAL AND FRIENDLY WHEN I WAS IN HIS PRESENCE. PROUD THAT HE WAS A FORMER MARINE. SEMPER FI !
GENE BLAND
Judge Keith, known to me in law school as Tommy Keith, was truly one of the best men I have ever known. His obituary gets it right. He was filled with compassion, but he had the strength to enforce the law — and he had the deep intellect possessed by the most revered judges in our judicial system.
David Hargis
Little Rock
The Judge was often the source of great advice when I was publisher of the Bentonville newspaper. His early experience as a newspaper man was a rare perspective from an attorney. Besides that, he a had a great sense of humor. I never left his presence without a laugh and a smile. A life well lived. Steve Trolinger
