KEITH B. THAYER

11/06/1927 - 02/14/2023

Keith B. Thayer, was born on November 6, 1927 in Phoenix, Arizona and passed away February 14, 2023, at the age of 95.

During his young years he was raised by various relatives primarily in Arizona and Kansas, then later in Chicago. He graduated from Tombstone High School and worked the night shift on the railroad roundhouse greasing side rods on steam engines and joined the Navy at 17. Keith graduated with honors from K-State, under the G.I. Bill with a Mechanical Engineering degree and lettered in baseball. Keith met Ruthy in Parsons at a baseball game in 1949 and they were married shortly thereafter.

His first engineering job was in Oklahoma and soon they moved to Houston, TX for another opportunity. Keith picked up extra work with two young engineers who were working in their garage. Together they formed a company and during his 43 years with the firm, he was involved in every facet of engineering and construction. He retired from the company as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

Keith was very active in American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and amongst many other leadership positions over the years he was elected as the President of ASME International #116 for the 1997-98 term. He was known for his dedication to early career professionals and their development both in ASME and in their careers, and established the Keith Thayer Exceptional Early Career Award.

In retirement, Keith volunteered with the Houston Technology Center (helping start-up companies grow), served as a mediator for DRC, continued ASME-related endeavors, served as judge at FIRST contests, worked with St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on various projects, and the Silver Foxes.

Keith, with Ruthy always by his side, traveled the world extensively, not missing any continent. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, and a new adventure.

He is proceeded in death by his wife of over 70 years, Ruthy, who passed away only 7 months earlier. He leaves behind the eight J’s, their families and a foster daughter, Anne.

Keith’s last words to his family were “to just be kind”.

The family wants to thank the caregivers who have been with us for the last several years. Their kindness and attentiveness was a blessing.

On Saturday, February 18, 2023, a rosary will be held at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church1801 Sage Rd, Houston, TX 77056, at 11 am. A Mass of Remembrance will begin at noon.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the ASME Foundation, Clove Road, Little Falls, NJ 07424 or the Houston Humane Society, 14700 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77053.