Jerry Lee Keith

Jerry Lee Keith was born January 10, 1933, in Portland, Oregon, to Thomas “Jerry” and Dora Ida (Lamb) Keith. He was raised in the Battleground, Washington, area where he graduated high school. After graduation, Jerry joined the Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict as a baker for the troops. He often told stories to his family about the amount of bread and cinnamon rolls he had to bake. Once released from the military, Jerry worked as a meat cutter for several grocery stores. Eventually he went on to manage the Park and Shop in Stayton. Jerry married Patricia Curtis on August 16, 1980, happily blending their families and eventually adding a daughter together. Jerry loved his family immensely and enjoyed their time together no matter what they were doing. When the kids were younger, the family would take snowmobiling trips together. The grandkids had a special place in his heart, and he loved the time he spent with them. Jerry was an incredibly hard worker and held a job steadily until his mid-seventies when his health would no longer allow him to work. Even then, he would ask if he could go back to work, wanting to make sure Patty was provided for. He was strong and independent and always made Patty feel safe and secure, knowing he was there to look out for her every need. Jerry was a very generous person with a huge heart and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He loved people and was not afraid to show how he felt and gave everyone he knew a special nickname. In his spare time, Jerry also enjoyed fishing and a cold beer after a long day. He loved to go on cruises with Patty, family, and friends. On July 22, 2019, surrounded by his loving wife, daughter, and grandson, Jerry passed away peacefully. He will be so dearly missed by those that were blessed to know him. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and brother Don. He is survived by his wife of almost 39 years, Patty; children Rob (Sue) Keith, Larry (Carolyn) Keith, Deb (Kent) Pratt, Kimberly (Rob) Bruce, and step-daughter Andrea (Troy) Shepherd; grandchildren Jaaron, Alyvia, Valeska, JD, Amelia, Nathan, Justin, D’Ondra, Asa, and Easton; several great-grandchildren; and sister Mabel. A Celebration of Jerry’s life with Military Honors will be held on September 22, 2019, at 1 pm, at 8236 Enchanted Ridge Ct SE, Turner, OR.