Norman Aaron Keith

Funeral services for Colonel Norman Aaron Keith, U.S. Army, Retired, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010 in the St. Michael Catholic Church in Leesville. Visitation will be held Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 from 6 – 8:30p.m. in the Labby Memorial Funeral home of Leesville. A Rosary will be held at 7:15 p.m. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Piggott, Ark. Colonel Keith was born in Piggott, Ark to Richard and Bennie Keith on Nov. 21, 1930. He was of the Catholic Faith and was active all of his life. Norman attended Arkansas State University where he lettered in football and track and later graduated from Oklahoma University. He was active in many campus organizations, mainly Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity where he held four offices, including president. He was commissioned from the OSU ROTC program. Retiring after 26 years of service in the U.S. Army he was awarded numerous medals and badges including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Cross of Gallantry, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He was also given many awards for his voluntary work after retirement including the Public Service Award and Medal, and an Honorary Membership in the Medical Regiment. Mr. Keith was a past president of the FTA, president of the Athletic Booster Club, a resident of the Catholic Church Parish Council and was designated as a Trustee of the church by the Bishop of the Diocese. He served as Chairman of the Fort Polk Retiree Council and an active member of the Military Officers Association of America, where he served twice as president of the local chapter. He was an Officer and Board member of the State Level Military Officers Association of America and the Executive Board of the Leonidas Fort Polk Chapter. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Military Officers Association of America. Norman's loves were his family, church, and the U.S. Army and all Veteran's and Retirees. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Keith and his sister, Mary Keith Craft. Mr. Keith is survived by his wife Elsie Keith; his sons: Steven and wife Rhonda, and Mark and wife Sondra; five grandsons, and two great-granddaughters. The family request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Saint Michaels Catholic Church in Leesville. Words of comfort may be expressed to the Keith family at www.labbymemorial.com.