Keith Gibbs, 91, a long time resident of Tecumseh, NE, passed away on November 5, 2011 with his family by his side. He was born near Elk Creek on December 6, 1919 and spent his early years near Elk Creek where he graduated high school in 1937. He attended one year at Peru College. Keith was selected for flight training and received his private pilot's license through competition in a civilian pilot training program at Tecumseh where he received top honors. Keith served as a Naval Aviator during World War II, flying anti-submarine warfare convoy protection during which 25% of his squadron was lost. He met his loving wife Myrtle Murphy at a local dance, and they later married in Tecumseh in January 1943 while Keith was on leave from the Navy. Following WWII, Keith and Myrtle returned to the Tecumseh area where they started farming. With the exception of an 8 year period during the early 1950's when they ranched in the sand hills of Nebraska, Keith and Myrtle lived and worked together and built up their farms nearby until moving to their retirement home in Tecumseh 1988. In Tecumseh, Keith enjoyed coffee and cards with his friends and working several hours each day on his farms. In 2010, they moved into an assisted living facility in Connecticut where he enjoyed lots of family time eating meals together and playing lots of cards. Keith was a life time member of the VFW, American Legion and Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his wife Myrtle of 68 years, his parents Rose and Ezra, and his siblings Elva Long, Ione Gibson and Owen Gibbs. He is survived by his son Denny Gibbs and wife Tamara of Groton, CT., granddaughter, Emily Gibbs; son, John Gibbs and wife Elise of Wimberley, TX., granddaughter, Caroline McCuistion.

A rosary will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church at 7:00 PM on Friday evening, November 11, 2011. The memorial service and mass will be conducted Saturday, November 12th at 11:00 AM, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, with Father Thomas Dunavan officiating. After the graveside service at St. Andrews cemetery, a luncheon will be served at St. Andrew's Parish Hall. Memorials may be sent to Parkinson's Disease Foundation.