Derek Ray Keith, 28, of Lebanon died June 7, 2009 in Sweet Home.
He was born Aug. 4, 1980 in Chula Vista, Calif., the son of Ray and Vickie (Peppers) Keith.
He moved with his family to Lebanon in 1991. While in high school, he was the lineman captain for the Lebanon varsity football team and was awarded the Outstanding Lineman trophy in 1998. His wore the number “58” on his jersey, which belonged to his brother Travas Keith.
Mr. Keith served in the U.S. Navy from 1999 through 2004, serving three tours during the Iraq War. He was aboard the USS Foster and the USS Bridge (AOE 10).
He enjoyed fishing, camping, riding ATVs and was a very creative and talented artist. His greatest contribution has been his big heart and unwavering love for his family and friends.
He is survived by his parents, Ray and Vickie Keith; brother and sister-in-law, Travas and Cori Keith; nephew, Owen; maternal grandparents Mary Peppers and Lawanda and Kevin Bradley; aunts and uncles April and Henry Moro’n, Rita and Greg Jones, and Janice and John Becker; cousins, Drew Pettner, Felicia Moro’n, Cheyenne Peppers and Henry Moro’n, Jr.; fiancé Nicole Coelho and stepsons, Keegan and Bret.
Funeral services were held Monday June 15, at the Huston-Jost Funeral Home, which is handling the arrangements.