Keith Marten Crass

Keith Marten Crass died suddenly October 27, 2010 after becoming ill in his office in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Keith was born April 11, 1959 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where he graduated from Pine Bluff High School. He graduated from Arkansas State University and began a career in public accounting, ultimately forming Crass & Smith, P.A. with his friend and partner Dennis Smith. In addition to serving as the managing partner of Crass & Smith, P.A., Keith served as the President of the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants and Chairman of the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants Ethics Committee. In 2007, he was selected the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants Discussion Leader of the Year for his presentation of ethics courses to members of the accounting profession. He also served as an adjunct faculty member of National Park Community College and College of the Ozarks. By virtue of his specialty accreditations in business valuations and forensic accounting, Keith served as a court-appointed expert witness in several State and Federal court cases. Keith was a friend to many, passionate about whatever he was doing, whether practicing accounting, lecturing on ethics for accountants, supporting family and friends, serving others, traveling, playing tennis, and, most recently, campaigning for State Representative. His passion will inspire us all. He had a unique way of lighting up a room with his presence and big smile. He will be missed. Keith was preceded in death by two mothers, Doris R. Crass, who died when Keith was five years old, and Melba McCombs Crass. He was also preceded in death by a brother Henry McCombs, sister-in-law, Beth McCombs and a special great-aunt, Thelma Shewmake. Keith is survived by his father, Arlen M. Crass of Pine Bluff, twin brother, Kevin A. Crass (Cathy) of Little Rock, nephews, Will Crass and Ted Crass, William McCombs (Jamie) and Michael McCombs; aunt, D'Ann Downey Warley (Randy) of Rome, Georgia; cousin, Kris Shewmake (Denise) of Little Rock; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and great nephews, his friend Lisa Hunt and her daughter Hannah. A memorial service will be held Monday, November 1, 2010 at 10 a.m. in Horner Hall at the Hot Springs Convention Center with Rev. Steve Hancock officiating. Family and friends will gather to visit after the service. Honorary pallbearers will be David Graf, Anthony Tortorich, Glen Smitherman, Scott Anderson, James Humphrey, James Shults, and Mark Lefler. As a memorial, the family suggests a contribution to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Athletic Foundation Arlen M. Crass Scholarship, which Keith established to honor his father and support Trojan athletes. Contributions may be sent to the UALR Athletic Foundation, Jack Stephens Center, 2801 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.