Obituary
Michael Keith Armentrout, 78
Tavares, Florida – Keith Armentrout passed away on June 10, 2019 at the AdventHealth Waterman Hospital in Tavares, Florida surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Keith was born on March 28, 1941 in Webster Springs, West Virginia, the son of Claude and Orva Armentrout. In 1951, he moved to North Lima, Ohio, with his family and attended South Range High School where he played football and boxed. Keith moved to Columbiana in 1970 and served with the fire department as a volunteer for many years.
He was an incredibly hard-working and kind, compassionate man who cared for and loved his family and friends deeply. He also had a great sense of humor and a passion for horse racing and politics. His life was greatly influenced by a sincere appreciation for education and a great sense of adventure.
He began his career employed with the Ohio Turnpike before attending college for mechanical engineering. He subsequently worked as a mechanical engineer in the steel industry for over 40 years, often traveling all over the world.
While working in China, he met his wife of 22 years, Lou Jing. They were married in Shanghai in 1997 and moved to Florida in 1999 with their son, Samual.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lou Jing Armentrout; his sons, Samual Armentrout and Michael Armentrout; his daughter, Michele Davidson and her husband, Terry Davidson; four grandchildren; several cousins; and many close friends.
Two sisters, Jan Leffler and Roseanne Barry, and a brother, Monty Armentrout, are deceased.
Per Keith’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or public services.
you will not believe.... today is our baby son Sam, 1st day of orientation at Lake county fire department. and yes, he is officially firefighter and EMT. i know if you will be so proud of him and want to hear all about his job description and benefits. Sam asked me to look through his benefits and they are amazing; just like mine when i worked for health department. and he will be making very decent wages and retirement. I can't thank you enough to raise him to a successful man and a wonderful citizen just like his dad, you....i miss you terribly and every time, i think of you and make me cry over and over.
May your transition be smooth.
when we met that one afternoon at the lake house with Lou Jing, I knew we would always get along because I recognized in you and in your heart that you were a very loving man.
I can recall you when we were all sitting and visiting at the kitchen counter and when I caught you watching Lou Jing speaking over the phone to someone. I saw in your eyes and on your sweet face, you were smiling with pride. You would look back at me so I would knowledge how proud you were of your wife. You were so admirative of Lou Jing, right at that very moment, I knew you were a very good man who walks his talk. It was so beautiful to see how much you loved your wife so very much.
Keith, you do give us women a great sense of hope! lol
During our visit, I also sensed that the Love you had in your heart was genuine and so immense that your generousity would have even driven you to care and weep with the afflicted ones. The world news mattered to you. You followed it so closely wanting to always know that everyone would be happy and well cared for in life.
Your family was fortunate to have had you in their life during these many years and so were we, friends of the family, even if it was for a very short time.
You seemed to care about everything. You cared for the well being of the whole world, for the People of your Country you told me, you loved so very dearly.
In our talks, I also remember you speaking very highly of the Chinese People and their culture, how you loved them and cared so much for their safety.
Today I imagine you sharing this love for eternity with the whole universe.
You left this World but not really. You went on to do greater things.
I know this World and this Universe will be a better place because of you watching over all of us from your heavenly Refuge.
Thank you for your Love and for the hospitality you have shown to me when I visited you in your home here on the Lake in Tavares Florida.
My sincere condolences to my very dear friend Lou Jing, to your Son, your Parents and to Keith's children and family,
You all have my deepest sympathy.
Honey, please take your favorite truck with you and I know you loved driving this truck .
Sammy's basketball game.
You are free,following the path chosen for you. You left a big void in our hearts. We will fill that void with remembered joys, a friendship shared and many laughs as you wished.
Your life was full. You savored many good friends and many good times.
May your memories live forever in our hearts.
May your loving soul rest in eternal peace my dear friend.
Baipidi ??????
To my dear husband, I just found out I uploaded this but was never sent to you before you were admitted to the hospital; please allow me to read this to you today. I love you and love you forever
To my dear husband, thank you for study English with me together 23 years ago; we went over the English- Chinese Dictionary
You loved TiKi West in Tavares
Our last Christmas together and you always wants have some small gifts to open, liked a little kid
My dear husband, you always enjoyed our boat dock; taken 12/2018
You want this world to understand what has been lost. You want the life that has left to be celebrated in every possible way.
My brain knows, he no longer suffers. My brain knows that he has moved beyond this life. Oh, but it's the heart that can't escape the reality. Until we meet again, my friend. Until we meet again.
For Always being
There for us. You
Were always helpful in every way. We will surely
Miss you.
You are my HERO
? ? ?
LOVE ALWAYS
Michael.?
Shirley ?
My grandfather was a kind and giving man who loved his family dearly and valued education and hard-work. I was always fascinated hearing about his times abroad. Seeing what he accomplished gave me the belief early in life that anything was possible if I studied and worked hard. He also showed me that true love is real. I hope I can be blessed to experience the love he and Lou have for each other. I cherish the time I had with him and hold those memories close.
Keith with his daughter Michele and granddaughter Tanya February 2019.
With Respect ,
Rob and Aarti Koilpillai