Robert “Bobby” E. Keith III, age 65, of Adair, IA, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at his home in Adair, IA.
Robert Emmett Keith III was born on March 18, 1958, in New Castle, PA, the son of Robert Emmett Keith Jr. and Marlene Jean (Conrad) Keith. He was the oldest of four children. Bobby graduated from Shenango High School in New Castle, PA, in May 1976. During high school, he had a few very close friends he kept in contact with, even when moving to Iowa. Bobby was married for a short time then later divorced. On May 24, 1983, Bobby enlisted in the United States Army. He became a sergeant serving overseas and was a unit supply specialist and a sharpshooter. While overseas, he became very fluent in speaking German. Bobby was later transferred to the reserves and honorably discharged from the Army on May 23, 1989. He also met Trudy in Germany; they moved back to Pennsylvania together and made a life together. Following his time in the service, Bobby worked at a refinery and various jobs for several years.
After Trudy passed away, Bobby’s life gave him some twists and turns that were not favorable for him. In 2011, he came to Iowa to start a new chapter; he reconnected with his sister and mother, who had lived in the Midwest for several years. He was able to be with his mother during the last several years of her life. While living in Iowa, he worked several jobs, most recently with Schafer Systems in Adair, and enjoyed working there. He planned on retiring in a few years, but with his health declining it took him away from us too soon.
Bobby was an avid reader, collecting several books. He enjoyed rock climbing, snow skiing, and hiking the mountains to see all the beautiful scenery. Bobby will be missed, loved, and remembered, but not forgotten.
Bobby is survived by siblings: his sister Lori (Clifford), Carney of Adair; brothers David (Jerrie), Keith of Cleveland, TX, and Daniel (Amy) Keith of Atlanta, GA; nieces and nephews Donald (Rachel) Hall of Greensboro, NC, Kimberly (August) Kuster of Audubon, IA, and many more nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death are his grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, the love of his life, Trudy, and a child in premature infancy.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Adair, IA. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 prior to the funeral at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Sunnyhill Cemetery in Adair following the funeral. Military honors will be conducted by the Iowa Military Funeral Honors from Des Moines and Adair VFW Post #8877 Color Guard.
Funeral arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Adair, IA.
