Tom J. Keith's Obituary
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 (Stanberry) Keith. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Tom leaves behind his loving wife of 25 years Henri Kemper Keith and Izzie, his precious dog, of the home; daughter Lynn E. Keith and partner Cathi McMahan of Morrilton; son Sean T. Keith and wife Amy of Rogers; and daughter Jacqueline E. Bridgers and husband Sam of Canton, North Carolina; stepdaughters Linda Owings Beatty and husband Denver of Richmond, Texas and Beth Owings Repke and husband John of Whitefish, Montana. He leaves eight grandchildren, Patrick and Mallory Keith of Rogers, Chrystian and Zoey Bridgers of Canton, North Carolina, Danielle and Forrest Beatty of Richmond, Texas and Rachel, Meredith, and Jack Repke of Whitefish, Montana.
He is survived by one sister LaRhoda Murphy of Napa, California, one brother W. Daryel Keith (Katie) of Searcy, Arkansas, and aunt, Evie Keith Clemons of Waldron, Arkansas. He will be missed by a large circle of adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tom started his career as a newspaper reporter following his honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps. At the age of 28 he enrolled as a student at the University of Arkansas while working at the Northwest Arkansas Times and graduated with his Juris Doctorate in 1973. He moved to Rogers to start his law practice. He was Benton County’s first Public Defender. In 1982 he was elected Municipal Judge of Rogers and subsequently elected as a Circuit Judge where he served as Senior Circuit Judge until his retirement in 2008.
His younger years were spent on the softball field either pitching, umpiring/announcing, and coaching local youth. You could find him every Monday night at his bowling league. He loved the law and ensuring that justice was found in front of him- either through fair and appropriate punishment or compassion of which he gave out a healthy dose of both. He was well respected and held in high esteem by hundreds of attorneys across the State. He was a member of the Tuesday Noon Men’s Bible Study Group and Keypoint Church of Bentonville, Arkansas
A family graveside service will be held this Saturday under the direction of Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services and a celebration of life is being planned for the future. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Arkansas Bar Foundation in Little Rock.
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