Richard Keith Sr. Obituary, Community Mourns Death Of Renowned Musician

Richard Keith Sr. Obituary, Death – On Saturday, September 9, 2023, Richard Keith Sr., 82, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away. The late Elmer and Fannie (Phillips) Keith welcomed him into the world on September 4, 1941 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was also predeceased by his brother Timothy “Timmy” Keith, sister Arlene Meridith, and son Richard “Richie” Thomas Keith, II. Music and his saxophone were Richard’s greatest loves. He was a great saxophonist and good friends with his many bands and other musicians. He spent the first years of his 60-year professional musical career with the Monarchs, spent a lot of time with Polo, and spent more than 20 years with The Tymes Band.

He was a modest, unique “soul man” who throughout the years entertained many people. Although the sax was his instrument of choice, he was also capable of singing and playing a variety of other instruments. Over the years, he performed professionally as well as for a number of various church groups. Richard has occasionally been hired by other musicians to record on their professionally produced tracks. He cherished jam sessions with his son Ritchie even in his free time. He only lately began enjoying karaoke as a new pastime.

He enjoyed singing karaoke with his buddies and grandson Matthew. Richard was able to perform one more song on the saxophone moments before he passed away, with his granddaughter Amber on keyboard. In high school, he began his musical career. Richard attended Clarksville High School in Clarksville, Indiana, and graduated from there. Richard worked for Ford Motor Company for a very long period at the Fern Valley Road Assembly Plant in Louisville. He only drove Fords and was a devoted Ford fan. Richard was also known for being Mr. Fix It. He could build his own computer, fix any appliance, and once even fixed his Ford with a fruity gum wrapper.

His strongest supporter was Pat, his wife. She went with him to a lot of band gigs. They devoted a lot of time to house repairs and yard sales. They spent 35 years together and 29 years as a married couple. Pat continuing to hold his hand to the very end meant the world to him. In addition to his beloved wife of 29 years, Margaret Patricia “Pat” Keith, he is also survived by his brother, Michael Keith (Linda), three sisters, Nancy Buffin (Charles), Vanessa Keith (Eugene Cook), and Benita Sharpe, two grandchildren, Matthew Keith and Amber McCoy (Seth).

Two great-grandchildren, Nevaeh McCoy and Levi McCoy, step-son Michael Burns (Judy), step-daughter Mindy Along with his beloved canines Donnie and Marie, Richard is also survived by a large number of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.  On Thursday, September 14, 2023, there will be visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral ceremony at 1:00 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (235 Juneau Drive Louisville, KY 40243). The family asks that donations be made in Richard’s honor to your preferred charity in lieu of flowers.