Donald Howard Keith

Donald Howard Keith was born May 24, 1940, in Amarillo, Texas, to Raymond
and Jewell Keith. He passed away peacefully on September 29, 2023.
He lived his early years in Elida, New Mexico, where he had fond memories of
growing up in a small town. Don spent his first 13 years helping run the film
projector and concession stand at the family owned movie theater. The family
moved to Farmington, New Mexico in the fall of 1953, where his father soon
became the first, and for many years the only pharmacist at San Juan Hospital.
Don loved Farmington and was very active at FHS, where he played football and
baseball, served as student body president, and was valedictorian of the class
of 1958. Once, while presenting at the high school State Student Council
Conference in Albuquerque, all of the girls attended his presentation because
they thought he looked like Paul Newman.
After high school, Don attended the University of New Mexico, where he was
valedictorian of the Pharmacy Class of 1964. While in pharmacy school, he met
and fell in love with a school teacher, Shirley Sneed. Don and Shirley married on
July 31, 1965.
Don worked at Main Drug Store in Farmington from 1965-1969. During this time,
their first two children were born, Jeanne Elizabeth and Donnie. Don then
became a pharmaceutical representative for Eli Lilly and moved his family to
Waco, Texas, where their third child, Kelley, was born.
In 1972, Don had the opportunity to buy Farmington Drug, in partnership with
Charles Clouthier, and he moved his family back to Farmington where he
faithfully served his community as a pharmacist for over 30 years. He loved
helping others and knew everyone by name. Many people called him for advice
on topics ranging from the common cold to veterinary needs to medical
supplies. He sold his portion of Farmington Drug in 2004, and eventually retired
in 2010.
Don loved people and loved the Lord. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and
Savior at the age of 14. He faithfully served at First Baptist Church and
Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and usher for many years.
He had an unwavering faith and started each day reading his Bible. Everyone
who knew Don knew he lived out what he believed. He was extremely loving,
gentle, kind, patient, generous, grateful, and always thought of others before
himself. He enjoyed attending his children’s many activities and sporting events.
Later in life, he and Shirley loved traveling and spending time with their children
and grandchildren.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Jewell Keith, and his
brother Calvin Keith. He is survived by his wife Shirley, children Jeanne Elizabeth
Ramirez (Rigoberto), Donald Howard Keith Jr. (Mary), Kelley Keith Broten, and
grandchildren Isabella, Sophia, John Drake, Adam, Makayla, Eli, Katie and
Mason, sisters Carolyn Macarenas (Lloyd) and Charlene Kipp (Tim), sister in law
Sandra Keith, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on December 18, 2023 at Emmanuel Baptist
Church. Visitation will be at 2:00pm with the service following at 3:00pm.
In memory of Don, donations may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church,
Childhaven of Farmington or a charity of your choice.