On Jan. 21, 1921, Albert and Maude Christen welcomed Keith Hough Christen into the world.
Born in Morgantown, Keith spent his childhood days chasing turtles and occasionally carrying water for the elephants in the traveling circus. He attended Morgantown High School, where he first met his future bride, Hazel Mae Harris.
In 1939, Keith joined the National Guard. Later, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. During his service, he fought in the Invasion of Holland and the Battle of the Bulge.
When he came home, Keith was quick to marry Hazel on Dec. 18, 1945. He happily settled into life with his “better half.” Keith and Hazel then moved to Lynnwood, Wash., where he worked for Puget Sound Power and Light. Keith enjoyed working on his ham radio and ballroom dancing with Hazel.
Keith and Hazel spent the past eight years living at Brookdale Assisted Living in Olympia, Wash. Hazel passed away there on Sept. 22, 2020, with Keith by her side. On June 3, 2021, at 100 years old, Keith passed away, surrounded by family.
He is survived by his two daughters, Debbie Carton (Al) and Jane Miller (Jeff), five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Keith will be loved and remembered by his family for his charm, storytelling and curiosity for life.
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