Fay R. Keith

Fay R. Keith, long time resident of Uniontown, Ohio, passed away on May 6, 2022 at age 90.

He was born on May 7, 1931 in Weston, West Virginia, the son of Victoria Christine and Floyd Ernest Keith.

Fay is survived by his wife, Darlene M. Keith; and his six children, Karolyn Ann Christley (Ben), Christine "Diane" Schlapkohl (Jim), Duane Eugene Keith (Gwen), Kevin Dale Keith (Ellen), Brian Edward Keith (Caren) and Sharon Jean Taylor (Jim). He was a beloved grandfather of 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren and a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was also survived by lifelong brotherly friends, Gene and Patti Darrah.

He was preceded in death by one stepson, Richard McMillen; seven sisters, Mildred Barnette, Vergie Reona Riffle, Elsie "Maxine" Slaughter, Ruth Renijean Veneman Archibald, Mary "Aladine" Marangoni, Joan Singleton and Zilda Patricia Keith (infant at death) and three brothers, Floyd "Richard" Keith, Rondal Edward Keith and Breighton Eugene Keith (child at death).

Fay served in the military from June 1949 - December 1952 and attended Air Force Training at Sheppard AFB in Texas where he received aircraft and engine repairman training. He performed as a fireman at the Ladd AFB in Fairbanks, Alaska. He transferred to Wright AFB in Ohio for discharge.
He was a devoted Christian and a 32nd degree Mason who was proud of his family.

Fay was raised on a farm in West Virginia and later in life was forever working on his yard and garden. He always had to be busy working on something and everything that needed fixed he found a way to do it. He had the steady hands of a surgeon, an unbelievable work ethic, was intelligent and creative. Fay designed the machines at Merryweather Foam and Latex to mass-produce pink foam curlers, foam paint brushes, and some Dr. Scholl's products, to name a few items. He later worked at Universal in Akron where they called him "Fay MacGyver" because he could find a way to fix anything. He volunteered for the Lion's Club at the Uniontown Park where he assisted in constructing a playground, maintained their grounds and buildings. He volunteered at the Grace United Church of Christ in Uniontown as a maintenance crew member.

He loved to have fun too! He was an airplane pilot and flew small aircraft for a hobby. Although no longer active, he carried his license in his wallet to the end. His passion of flying leads him to explore Remote Control (RC) planes, so he joined the Goodyear Model Aircraft Club. He built and flew remote control airplanes and especially loved showing them off. He was nicknamed "Ace" by his buddy Gene and the other club members. He loved astronomy and shared his passion and knowledge of it with his children and grandchildren. He was a very physically fit man well into his 80's. He liked bicycling, walking about 5 miles a day, and even working out on his Total Gym. He was still lifting 8# dumbbells until a couple months ago. He enjoyed making popcorn the old fashioned way, making pancakes on Sunday mornings, and making fudge with family for the holidays.

He will be missed by many who loved him!

Graveside services will be held at Hillside Memorial Park, 1025 Canton Road, Akron, on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM.

All arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Newcomer Funeral Home, Akron.