KEITH AVERITTE

FORT WORTH -- Edward Keith Averitte died peacefully late Sunday evening, April 14, 2013, during his 85th year. Service: 3 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel at Robertson Mueller Harper with the Rev. Dr. Greg Garis of St. Phillip Presbyterian Church, Hurst, officiating. Mr. Averitte will be laid to rest next to his wife, Betty Ann, in Laurel Land Memorial Park following masonic services. Visitation: Family and friends will be received 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Drawing Room at Robertson Mueller Harper. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Keith suggested consideration of contributions to The West Side Kiwanis Club Foundation, Box 123401, Fort Worth, Texas 76121; or the Longhorn Council, Boy Scouts of America, Box 54190, Hurst, Texas 76054. Born in Fort Worth on May 13, 1927, Edward Keith was the son of Elza Edward and Ruth Humphrey Averitte. He was a graduate of R.L. Paschal High School. Upon returning from serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he enrolled at Texas Christian University where he received his bachelor's degree in 1949 and master's degree in 1953. While attending TCU, he was in business for himself and later began a career in the educational field. Keith was first employed at the Masonic Home and School where he was a teacher and coach, later moving to the Fort Worth Independent School District where he was employed for 30 years. During this time he filled positions of teacher, coach, counselor, vice principal and principal. Upon retiring from the educational field, he entered the field of agriculture, operating and managing the family's interest in farming where he displayed the love of the land as his father did. He was very active in serving the youth, mainly with the Boy Scouts of America, holding membership in that organization for over 50 years, receiving the Silver Beaver award for his dedication. He served in many capacities in the Boy Scouts such as cubmaster and scoutmaster. Along with two of his friends and members of the Troop Committee, Keith organized a nationally recognized adult training program for present and potential adult leaders. He was very proud of this endeavor, training an immeasurable number of men and women over the years. His memberships also included Hemphill Heights Masonic Lodge #1164, A.F.&A.M., Worth Commandry, Chapter and Council, Moslah Temple, the Texas State Teachers Association and the National Education Association. He served as president of the Fort Worth Counselors Association and Kiwanis International, where he distinguished himself as president of his local Kiwanis Club and as lieutenant governor of the Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International. He was active in his church, serving as Sunday school teacher, chairman of the Board of Deacons and later as ruling elder of Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, until the church's demise. He later joined St. Philip Presbyterian Church in Hurst. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 63 years, Betty Ann; two grandsons, Kyle and Brandon; and sister, Frances Louise Averitte. Survivors: In addition to his children, Clinton and Vicki Averitte of Amarillo, Kendra Averitte of Fort Worth, Mark and Pat Averitte of Weatherford, and Leslie Keith and Tammy Averitte, also of Fort Worth, Keith is survived by his grandchildren, Brad and Jodi of Azle, Jimmy and Melissa of Fort Worth, Ashley of Grapevine, Brandon, also of Fort Worth, and Katye and Michal of Fort Sill, Okla.; and great-grandchildren, Abbie, Emma, Nekoda, Lila-Ann, James Bradford "JB" and Scarlett. Robertson Mueller Harper Funerals & Cremations 1500 Eighth Ave., 817-924-4233 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of KEITH AVERITTE please visit our Sympathy Store.