Keith Thomas Howard

After fighting the courageous battle with kidney cancer, surrounded by family and dear friend, Mike Turner, Keith Thomas Howard went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 8, 2015 in Taft, CA at the young age of 68. Keith is survived by his wife of 45 years, Karen; his sisters, Nancy Welch and Marian Howard; sister-in-law, Sharon Boyd of Hanford; brother-in-law, Torrance (Beverly) Tripp of Coalinga; his nieces, Sherry Wilson and Michelle Preston; very special great niece, Alexandria (Brandon) Garcia; and great nephew, Mackey (Yesinia) Nichols; Brittany Preston and Hunter Tassey; and his honorary son, Vincent (Stephanie) Alvidrez. Keith is also survived by so many whom he loved and considered family, not just friends. Keith is predeceased by his children, Keith and Kelly and his parents, Marion Howard and Virginia Bowser. Keith was born in Dos Palos, CA on May 6, 1947 to Marion Howard, ranch supervisor, and Virginia Bowser, homemaker. The family moved to Devil's Den in 1959 where Keith attended Lost Hills grammar school and then Avenal High School where, after graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, where he served in Furth Germany as a combat engineer and was discharged honorably with a rank of E5. Once his service to his country had ended, he began working in Avenal for Union Oil in 1968. He transferred to Taft in 1969 where he made his home and raised his family. He worked for Phillips 66 at the time of his passing. Keith was a devoted husband and father. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting mule deer, fishing for trout and riding the dunes with his friends. But, it was those Saturdays during the fall that occupied his time watching his favorite football team USC "Fight On." He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A funeral service was held in the West Side District Cemetery on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. officiated by his longtime friend, and hunting buddy, Leo Fisher. A celebration of life followed at the Taft Petroleum Club. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations may be sent to the Wounded Warriors Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate. Keith held our nation's veterans and servicemen in high regard.

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