Kent's Message

“HAPPY HALF CENTURY OF BREATHING” You can now join AARP!! The impact that you made the first fifty year is evident by all of the posts and letters that are written. You’re very loved and honored... I know the impact you will make in the next fifty years will be even greater, you're a GREAT BROTHER, Have a WONDERFUL DAY...

Love You

Kent

Birthday Messages from Your Friends & Family

Keith is one of those people in life you meet that make you smile. I’ve known Keith and done business with Rose Aircraft for 25 years. During that time, my experiences with Keith have always been top-notch, and very fair. I’m not sure what we’re going to do now that Keith is hitting the big “5-0,” and will surely have to be contemplating retirement before he’s completely senile. J Keith, may God’s riches blessing flow on you, your family, and your business ventures. I’m confident that, on a daily basis, you’re making our Lord smile along with the rest of us.

Jeffrey R. Lowe
AvFab - Central Airmotive

"Jesus said 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.'" John 14:6.
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Keith

The BIG 50 has made it your way, I guess I can officially call you the OLD MAN. Seriously, you are an inspiration to me, your love for the Lord is apparent, your graciousness is as well, I thank you for all you have done for me and my family.

I hope that your Birthday is a blessed one.

Happy Birthday Brother,
Jason G.
************************************************************************************* Happy Birthday from Will, “lets go fly between some trees”
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From A.L. Hadaway
Happy Birthday, May God continue to shine his light upon you, You are a blessing to me.

Psa 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psa 133:2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
Psa 133:3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
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You wrote me a birthday poem
And your rhyming was superb!
So I’m wishing you Happy 50th!
Is happy birthday a verb?
I already have lunch plans so I can’t take you out that day
But one of these days, you and Lisa and I will go out to play!!!!!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Love, Connie
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Happy 50th! Hope you have a wonderful birthday and a great year.
Go have fun with that AARP card!
Lisa Stauffer
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Dear Keith,

Happy 50th Birthday from the Fort Smith Symphony Staff! Thank you for all you do to help the Symphony touch the lives of thousands of children across our region with the joy of music! Your support truly makes a difference.

Allison B. Walden -- The Fort Smith Symphony
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The greatest man is he who chooses the Right with invincible resolution, who resists the sorest temptations from within and without, who bears the heaviest burdens cheerfully, who is calmest in storms and most fearless under menace and frowns, whose reliance on truth, on virtue, on God, is most unfaltering.

This describes Keith... from Heather and Todd Hirsch

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Dear Keith,

Happy Birthday, young man!

I want to say that it has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to work for you in this new endeavor of the Mena Air Center! When I first was prompted (I believe by the Lord) to write you that letter seeking employment, I did so because I admired you and I admired your company. Now, over four months later, I can say the same, only more so because I have been honored to rub shoulders with you as well as Brenda, Will, and a host of others in your employment.

I appreciate all of the expense in sending me with the crew to Orlando. I learned a lot and I was amazed at all that I saw. Other than walking 350 miles in heels, it was a wonderful experience! Seriously, I want to say thank you for all of it.

May God give you the best years in service to Him this last half of your life as He uses you, your words, and your life to further the gospel of grace, mercy and truth. And may you be blessed in body and in spirit each day as He gives you the strength and the joy to tackle the many tasks that you face. You and your family are an inspiration to me!

Happy Birthday!

Miss Barbie
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Keith, have you burnt any barns lately? (Around 1966-Hatfield)
Happy Birthday, Love Uncle Jim.
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Keith, Welcome to the Big 5 0, I hear It’s a closer walk to heaven from here.
Love, Aunt Barbara
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Happy 50th Birthday Keith! How exciting to be half a century years old! That is awesome. Of course I say that with love and grace. I would just like to say that I am so thankful for the opportunity to get to know you over the past year and half. You are a wonderful employer, compassionate friend, and a faithful pastor. Thank you for all you do. Have a fantastic birthday!

Love in Christ,
Alicia Terrell
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Happy 50th young fella, best wishes.
Your Friend Don Havnen
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Happy Birthday Keith
I would make fun of your age but I am not far behind you.
Hope you have a wonderful and blessed birthday.
Cyndie Crider
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Keith!!!! Happy Birthday! I hope it's as wonderful, pleasant, and inspiring as you are.
Jonnie Honse
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Keith, Thanks for everything you have done for my family. We have great love and respect for you and your family. You truly are a wonderful person. Have a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many many more to come.
Lots of love Crystal Dehart and family!!
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Keith,You have always been a great friend and an awesome mentor in Christ. When I was at DABC, you were a great youth leader and you helped me through a lot of things and to keep me on track. I just wanted to extend a HUGE thank you for that.
Happy Birthday!!!
Tim Davis
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Happy Birthday!
from Jessica Coyle Huddleston
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Well Keith, its finally the big 50, and really life is just beginning! I speak as a wise old sage of 54 years, of course. I want to congratulate you on the biggest accomplishments that I see about your life (up to this point of course.) You are a great family man, and Jesus lover, a man dedicated to integrity and doing the RIGHT thing, and I can't leave out the 2 loveliest things we share, that being the beautiful and spunky Sophie, and the charmingly lovely, and joyful Gracie. We appreciate all you do for the people we love, and hope that this birthday will be one that you will always remember. When I think of you it always includes "doing" for those you love. I thank God for the grandpa, dad, husband, son, father-in-law, and friend that you are. May all blessings come your way for the days the Lord has assigned to you, and may you continue to prosper in all you do.
God Bless and lots of love to you,
Jackie Payette,

"You cannot see faith, but you can see the footprints of the faithful. We must leave behind faithful footprints for others to follow."
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Keith. I remember when you were just seven years old running around like like a little twirp picking on everyone in sight. I'm proud to say you ended up a mature young man and that was merely a stepping stone into new places. Birthday happiness unto you. You are truly a man of God.- Tyler Newcomb.
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Keith, these are things you will hear when you turn fifty:
1. Your older than dirt, just ask Jim Rose!
2. Don't let anybody kid you, you have the body of a 19 year old, but give it back, because you are wrinkling it!
3. Your mind is the last thing that goes!
4. You will never feel good again!
5. Ben-gay will become your favorite cologne.

From your grandma's : The sewing room
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Happy 50th Birthday my dear birthday buddy. I wish I was turning Fifty today!
God bless you and your family in the coming year. You know you just get better looking as the years go by. You believe me don't you? Have a blessed day.

Love you,
Debi Meissner (also born on October 14th)

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Keith,
I'm not as witty as you are so no birthday poem from me.But, I will say "Happy Birthday" to an old man and a great father.

Cheryl
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEITH! GO TO THE FARM AND SPEND THE DAY BY YOURSELF SO YOU CAN RELAX AND ENJOY YOURSELF!!
Raymond
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Uncle Keith,
I love you very much. You have always been there when I needed you. You are a great uncle. Thank you.
Happy Birthday! Abbi
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Keith, may the Lord bless and keep you. And make His face to shine upon you and give you peace! I hope you have a Happy, Happy 50th Birthday!!!!!
Happy Birthday,
Love, Deb
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We wish you the happiest of birthdays. Wish we could be there to celebrate.
Love,The Tuppers, (Wayne, Kim, Zach & Kalee) from Florida..
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Welcome to the newest member of the 50 and over club.

Best wishes on your birthday.

Tom
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Happy Birthday to my brother in CHRIST, may the words of the Apostle Paul lift you up and strengthen you as you walk by faith.
Rom. 8:28-31 and Eph. 6:10-18
In CHRISTS Love,
Tony D.
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Querido Hermano en Cristo, gracias a Dios por tu amistad, que Dios te bendiga en tu cumpleanos.
En Cristo Julieta
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Keith,
Couldn’t pass the chance to wish you A Happy Birthday. WOW! 50!!!
Our history has been a potpourri of experiences over the years. We want you to know that you are loved and respected by Jimmy & me. You are so important to us as our family, a friend, my mentor, my boss, my Pastor and many more levels too numerous to mention.
~Peace and Blessings~
Sandi & Jimmy
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Happy Birthday, Keith! We love you! And remember, 50 is just a number, a VERY BIG number, yes, but still just a number! Just kidding.. Peace to you! Kelly and family!
Kelly Crawford
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Uncle Keith, Happy 50th Birthday.
You are such a blessing to have as an uncle and I know you are a blessing to all those you have contact with. I pray that this next year would be your best thus far. I have so many fun memories of you. You're such a great dad to so many girls which takes a real special person. You are always willing to help someone out. You encourage those around you to know the Lord and encourage them in their daily walks and our a huge support when it gets rocky. I know God had some awesome stuff planned for you I can't wait to see what they are.

I love you, Stephanie
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Keith - You are such a wonderful and kind soul. I hope that you have a wonderful 50th birthday. Don't let anyone tell you that you are old, because you are no old at all. You don't look a day over 49. Well, I guess you are a day over 49. HAHA Just kidding. Have a great birthday.
God Bless, Mandy Godfrey
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Happy Birthday, Keith. You are an awesome man of God, and an awesome father to your family. Keep up the good work!!

Don Payette
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To my Brother Keith: God put you in my life for a season and for a special reason. (Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven) I am so glad God works that way. You left a big footprint in my memory and they are all good. Thanks for the wisdom, friendship, laughs and memories.

Brenda Adair
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Keith, Tom and I really miss you and Lisa and pray for all GOD'S best for you and your family. Please, lets make an effort to get together before Tom leaves in Dec. Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!! Mary Beth
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Intro to Stories with Grandma

For those of you who don't know, the first 50 years of Keith's life has been an adventure. From birth, Keith has never been boring! We all love to hear Keith's Mom, Norma, my Grandma tell stories about all of her kids. She is an amazing mom, and grandmother and a great story-teller. I asked to jot down some of the stories about raising Keith that came to her mind. I ended up tying five pages worth that she wrote and I know that that barely scratched the surface of stories about her son, Keith.

Thanks for writing them down, Grandma and thanks for giving birth to my dad, Keith. We love you so much!

Jennifer

PS- I sure wish we could hear Grandpa Jack's version of these stories! Oh how we miss him!

Stories from Grandma IV- The Stories are Never ending...

These are most of the things that come to mind up to Keith’s teenage years. There are many, many, more stories to tell. In recent years when I start telling my version or hear Keith and Kent telling about some of the things they did, I am finding out that I did not always hear all of the stories… so our versions are different.

I cannot imagine my life without Keith and all of the joys he has brought our family! Those include your wonderful wife Lisa, six precious grandchildren and almost four beautiful great-grandchildren.

Life goes on and the stories and never ending!

Thank God for Keith!

Love, Mom

Stories from Grandma V- Keith at Thirteen... DRIVING!

When Keith was 13, Jack was in Southeast Asia. All year Keith had been begging for a motorcycle for his birthday. (Not a full sized one, but a smaller one.) He begged and I said, “NO, NO, NO!” Well, I think Jack felt guilty about being away from home and how it bothered Keith so much he thought we should let him have it. You had to be 13 to get a license for it. Bless our hearts! I was so nervous about it! He seemed so small to be riding that bike! SO, I followed him everywhere he went for three weeks until he could handle it pretty well. When we bought insurance for it Melvin Mourton helped me feel a little better about talking to Keith about how to roll off it if he got into a situation. He rode it for maybe a year until he wrecked it one day coming to our shop at the airport. He got into some loose gravel and couldn’t control it. He ended up with a broken arm!

At 17 years old, Keith got his first car and drove all the way to Fort Sumner, New Mexico in one day all by himself!

Stories from Grandma IV- And then he started school...

Then, Keith started to school! Mrs. Rainwater was his first grade teacher. She had 1st grade and half of the 2nd grade class. Keith was in her half of the 2nd grade class. This was Mrs. Jones 1st year to teach. Keith was constantly telling her how to do things. She told me that he was a really big help, even though she wanted to scream! She said sometimes she would start a sentence and Keith would finish it. Keith started to school in 1965 and I started working at the school the same year. Rose Varner and I were Cub Scout leaders for a while.

In 1968, Keith was in the 4th grade. We had moved into Grandpa Algie’s house in the spring. The school had a Halloween Carnival every year. I was working first in 1965 as the High School Secretary. Curtis Pharr was the Superintendent back then, Keith’s little girl friend was Jan Pharr was Curtis’ daughter. At Christmas that year Keith drew her name. We went shopping; he picked a beautiful dress which would not do because they had a $1 limit to spend for gifts. (We couldn’t afford to buy the dress anyway!) I had a hard time convincing Keith that we couldn’t buy the dress so he picked out a $.10 cent doll instead. We finally agreed on a more appropriate gift.

In October of 1968, I was teacher’s aide and one of my responsibilities was planning activities such as assembly programs and the Halloween Carnival. This included going to local stores to gather donations and prizes for the costume parade. Early in October, I asked Keith and Kent how they wanted to dress up. They said they weren’t interested. So, I bought a few things that Brenda wanted and that I thought they might need including costume makeup. They had gotten into the make-up and by Halloween all the black was gone. I was very busy helping with the carnival over all. Well, Keith was not going to dress up until the last minute. While I was rushing around Keith decided he wanted to be Aunt Jemima. The black make-up was all gone, SO I got soot out of the fireplace and mixed it with cold cream and covered his face! We stuffed pillows around him and put a read and white polka dotted skirt, fully gathered skirt, a white shirt and a red bandana on his head! We had to get to town early enough for the PTA Chili Supper and he went trick or treating with some other kids. By the time the costume contest came around, his make up was all smeared. He was quite a sight! He did not want to be in the costume parade, but after all that effort; I insisted that he inter it. He ended up winning a prize for his category!

I always had fun dressing them in costumes!

When Keith was 10 he went to Church Camp at Christ Forty acres in Hornobia, OK. While there he was saved and they were having a baptismal service in the Kaimichi River with the preacher’s holding the camp. Keith would not let any of them baptize him, but wanted Bro. Tom Moore to baptize him. Bro. Tom was our pastor at First Christian Mena and he drove over there to baptize him.

Stories from Grandma III- Keith at 5 Years Old

We came home from Dallas to visit often. I would try to have everything ready to leave when Jack came home from work on Friday evenings, but it would always be 10pm when we got to Hatfield. Keith had a little friend who lived down the street who was five years old. His grandparents live in Oklahoma. The little boys name was George David. One night the kids were asleep when we were traveling, Keith woke up and said,” Daddy, are we in Arkansas yet?” Jack said, “No, son we’re in Oklahoma.” Keith said, “Well, that’s George David’s Arkansas.” (Because that was where his grandparents lived and he loved to go to Oklahoma maybe as much as Keith loved to come to Arkansas.

One day when Kent was just a few weeks old, Keith was playing in the back yard. We had a large yard with a chain link fence. I tied the gate to keep from opening, but while I was taking care of Kent, Keith climbed over the gate. After about twenty minutes when I looked out, Keith was gone! Brenda and I started looking for him. She went up the street and I went down by George David’s house. There was no one home, so I looked in their back yard where he often played in a boat. We couldn’t find Keith anywhere! Finally, I went back to George David’s house and tried the front door, it opened and there was Keith lying on a pillow on the floor with a book beside him asleep. I picked him up and asked him why he had gone in their house when they were not home. He said, “Well, I was just waiting for George David to come home.” That was one of the worst scares he ever gave me!!

Keith loved to help Mother in the garden. One day when Keith was about five, Mother was cooking dinner and Keith came in with green onions and told her that he pulled them for dinner. Mother went outside and he had pulled up almost an entire row of green onions. Mother set them back out, but I don’t know if they lived.

We moved back to Mena from Dallas when Keith was five. There were no decent, affordable rent houses so we moved into Uncle Earl Varner’s house north of Hatfield. There was no indoor bathroom and Keith and Kent got a kick out of the “out house.” They had so much fun “roughing it” and playing with their dogs. That was in July and the next spring we were able to move into Mrs. Griffin’s rent house directly across the street from Hatfield Elementary School. She had a barn behind the house that was only used for storage. One day when Keith & Kent were playing in the barn, someone knocked on my door and said that the “barn was on fire!” I ran to the back yard and found the boys running toward the house. Keith was screaming hysterically! Soon after, the place was covered with trying to put out the fire, but the barn could not be saved. I stayed in the house trying to console Keith. Different people said, “I’ll bet he got in BIG trouble for that!” I think the scare was punishment enough and both the boys learned a good lesson! We paid Mrs. Griffin about $30.00, her estimate of what her things that were lost were worth and seemed to be glad that the barn was gone!

This is also where we lived when learned to ride a bicycle and had his first wreck!