Mark Keith

Mark was born on January 31, 1952, in Abington, Massachusetts, son to Barbara and Howard “Diddy” Keith. Mark passed away on August 2, 2024 following a lengthy illness.  He had two brothers, Robert and Michael, and two sisters, Patricia and Barbara. He attended Abington High School, enlisting in the United States Air Force soon after graduation. Mark served as a Security Police, Flight Chief for over 22 years, leading 150 security men and women in charge of ICBM complexes, nuclear storage facilities, hostage negotiations, counter terrorism, and emergency response teams. His time in the Air Force gave him the opportunity to travel throughout the world, meet people from all walks of life, and experience many different cultures. Mark met his first wife, Pok, while stationed in Korea. Together, during his first decade of service, they raised four boys across 11 different air bases. Eldest son, Stephen, was born in Ohio; second son, Robert, was born in England; third son, Adam, was born in Montana; and youngest, Sean, was born in Massachusetts. In the early 1990s, the family settled in the Seacoast area of New Hampshire, where Mark was stationed at Pease Air Force Base, and where his sons attended Portsmouth High School. In the late 1990s, Mark met his second wife, Carolann. They spent nearly 30 years together, retiring first down to Cape Coral, Florida, and then re-settling in Crossville, Tennessee. In his free time, Mark enjoyed being out on the water—boating and fishing—a passion he shared with his sons. He also liked carpentry, taking long drives, cooking, and playing with his dogs. Mark was truly one-of-a-kind: personable, outspoken, and always willing to lend a helping hand (while also telling you what you were doing wrong). Though he could be hard-headed, he always meant well, and wanted what was best for those closest to him. Mark is predeceased by his second wife, Carolann, parents, brother Robert, and eldest son, Stephen. He is survived by his sons, Robert (Hinesville, GA), Adam (Waldoboro, ME), and Sean (Newmarket, NH); brother Michael (Cape Cod, MA); sisters, Barbara (Orono, ME) and Patricia (MA); grandson, Shane; granddaughters, Zoe, Mia, Olivia, and Lillian; and many other family members and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. At Mark’s request, no public memorial service will be held. His remains will be laid to rest at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Cape Cod, MA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Keith, please visit our floral store.