Thomas E. Keach
November 5, 1929 ~ July 13, 2016
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Thomas E. Keach, 86, Nov. 5, 1929 - July 13, 2016. Survived by wife of 32 years, Louise; children, Cheryl (Jean) Placide, Doris Ross (Thom Braley), Elaine Keach (Barb Tobias) and Brenda Keach; mother of his children, Charlotte Keach; grandsons, Sean Shephard and Nathan Ross and their families; step-children, Peri Wertz and son, Todd Wertz (Dalyn) and family. Tom was the son of Rose Marie and Elwood Keach and may have been the only non-Italian born on Goat Hill. He was admired and revered by family, friends, students, co-workers, team mates and opponents. Tom did not go peacefully; he left fighting just as hard as he did on the last point on the tennis court. Of his many accomplishments, the one he most enjoyed was the 35 plus years of delivering Meals on Wheels. Charter inductee to Greater Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame in 1963 and to the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame in 2001. He was also named CSU Outstanding Alumnus as well as many other awards. He devoted time and energy to Girls Club, Blue Sky Enterprises, Kiwanis, SRDA Union Plaza and Richmond Senior Housing, Chamberlain Foundation, Pueblo County Historical Society and others. He donated to every non-profit that approached him and offered encouragement and a smile to anyone who needed it. Private service at Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors. Celebration of Life, 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 17, 2016, Gold Dust, 217 S. Union. Attendees may wear tennis clothes if you have them. Memorials to Meals on Wheels or CSU-P Foundation-Tennis through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
My sincere condolences to Doris and the Keach family. I am so sorry for your loss
Mr. Keach was my eighth grade homeroom teacher at Keating. He was always warm and welcoming. His class was a wonderful way to start the school day. His smile was infectious, and he loved to tease. Gary and I had the pleasure of seeing him at various Pueblo and Denver events throughout the years. Our deepest condolences to you, Louise, as well as to the entire Keach family.
Ann and Gary Kochenberger
Denver, CO
Mr. Keach was vice principal when I attended Keating. He had a perfwct balance of leadership and comforting a very shy me, and I will never forget him!
Bleesings and peace to family. He was a dedicated, wonderful educator who was loved!
I had Mr. Keach for 8th grade homeroom at Keating. He was always warm and welcoming, and took a genuine interest in all of us. His smile was infectious and he loved to tease. Gary and I had the pleasure of seeing him over the years, both in Pueblo and here in Denver. Truly a man everyone should have the pleasure of knowing.
Our condolences to you, Louise, and to your entire family.
Louise, Peri, Todd and all the Keach Family – Our deepest condolences in the loss of Tom. He was always such a kind and gentle man. His achievements, in both his personal and career life are truly inspirational. We will miss him greatly and cherish the times we shared with him.Roger and Lynne Kubik
Dear Louise.
So sorry and sad to hear about Tom. He was as beloved friend and model for decency and respect. He will be missed by all! Will always treasure the memorable times with you and Tom on and off the court. Fondly Pete Gunderson.
Louise, Peri and family. So sorry for your loss. Mr. Keach was always kind to me. And from what I’ve read just a kind man in general. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathy to Doris and the family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Love, to you all.
My dear winning tennis partner Louise, deepest sympathy on the passing of Tom. A kind, lovely man. May your family and friends provide comfort. Love Lois and David Michaud
My first meeting with Tom was in the Paper Cup Tennis Tournament. My partner, Ken, and I thought: “We should do well against these two older gents, Tom and Ev. Holy cow, they did they teach us a lesson about tennis. I always enjoyed watching them play. Talk about finesse. Tom and Louise made a great couple.
Mr. Keach was my homeroom teacher in 8th grade. I always enjoyed walking into his classroom because he was so warm and welcoming. His smile was infectious, and he loved to tease. Years later I would see him on the tennis courts and/or at events in Pueblo as well as in Denver. It was always a pleasure.
Tom was a wonderful person and great role model for all. He truly cared about others and gave generously of his time and resources to many worthy causes. His legacy is one of honor, commitment, and love for others.
Tom was influential in my training to be a teacher and I remember and used the lessons he taught me! What a great guy!! My condolences to all family members and know that many individuals such as me benefitted from Prof. Keach’s wisdom and expertise!.
Dennis Vigil–retired educator
Tom was a Giant among Men! He will be missed by his Family, Friends, and Community. Rest in Peace. Dr. Ron Meek, Henderson, Nevada, Past President, Pueblo Community College.
Mr. Keach was such a good soul. He taught me many things about life and people and I will forever be thankful for that. Say hello to Dr. Pierce for me Mr. Keach. May your memory be eternal. Scott Kenyon
Tom was a very caring and welcoming person. He made me feel very comfortable in the late 60’s and 70’s when I was a young teacher and coach. So sorry to hear of this loss. RIP, Thomas.
Coach Tom Brockman