William C. (Bill) Keeth, age 79, passed into his Savior's arms on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was a follower of Jesus Christ, beloved husband, devoted father, indulgent Papa, and loyal friend. Bill was born in Kansas City, Missouri on December 24, 1932 to J.F. Keeth and Lillian Whalen. After serving in the United States Army, he graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He began his career with the Campbell Soup Company in Tulsa, eventually moving to California when he was promoted to District Manager for California and Nevada. In 1972 Bill and his family returned to Tulsa where he founded Keeth & Associates, Inc., the first foodservice brokerage company in Oklahoma. He was a pioneer in his field. Bill married the former Marianne Sitter (who preceded him in death in 1980) and they had four daughters- Teri Keeth of Tulsa, Kimberly Pickens of Norman, Amy Alley of Tulsa, and Becky Flesher of Owasso. In 1982, Bill married Dixie Foster adding two sons to the family- Christopher Foster of Tulsa and Scott Foster of Norman. They were commonly referred to as "The Brady Bunch". After selling his business in 2011, Bill and Dixie enjoyed an active retirement- traveling the world with their best friends, Karen and Dennis, promoting the economy of the Oklahoma restaurant industry, and spoiling their many grandchildren. On their 7th birthdays, he would take each grandchild to the toy store and let them buy as much as they could carry out in their own two arms! Bill was an integral member of Southeast Rotary, former President of The Foodservice Group of North America and previously sat on the board of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association. Thru the ORA, he established a scholarship for students in the Hotel & Restaurant School at Oklahoma State University. A long time faithful member of Asbury United Methodist church, he served as President of the Seekers Sunday School class numerous times and was known as the consummate fund raiser for missions in third world countries. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved stepmother, Billie Buercklin Keeth and two older brothers, Richard and Martin Keeth. He is survived by his loving wife Dixie, his six children, 11 grandchildren, 10 nieces and nephews, and countless friends. In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorial gifts be made to Asbury United Methodist Church Missions program. Gifts may be mailed to: Asbury UMC, 6767 S. Mingo Rd., Tulsa, OK 74133. Memorial Service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2012 in the Mason Chapel of Asbury United Methodist Church. Add'Vantage Funeral Service.
(Tulsa World, Tulsa, OK, Jan. 28, 2012)