Obituary
Keith was born April 22, 1982, in Ironton, Ohio. He was so full of life, light and love that he never met a
stranger. Keith had a special personality where each of us who were with him though we were his
favorite. Whatever the relationship, parent, sibling, child, or friend, he made us feel special when we were
with him.
Always the clown, Keith’s 11th grade English teacher named him the class poet laureate for his poem
entitled “Hair Weave.” He sat behind a young lady in class with a weave and was thus inspired to write
about it. That was Keith. Who could stay mad, right?
Keith loved his four children, Blaze, Jaden, Legacy, and Madilyn, (all of Sarasota, FL) more than anything
in this world. Keith also loved music, so he and Jaden created a recording studio where he could
continuously record rhymes, bringing together two things that he loved so much – music and his children.
Keith loved deeply!
Keith loved so deeply; he was called to Military Service on June 23, 2008. Due to his love for his family
and country, Keith fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2009-2010. He was stationed in Sadr City, Iraq, as
he fought to eliminate Saddam Hussein’s regime. Camp Taji, Iraq, was his mail station. Keith left his very
best on that battlefield, experiencing Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, and a host of other unseen wounds,
rendering him a 100% Disabled Service Related Iraq War Veteran. Keith was Honorably Discharged from
the United States Army on June 30, 2011. Keith was a Good and Faithful Soldier!
Keith was such a compassionate person, he not only loved deeply, he hurt deeply as well. When his
grandmother, Barbara Ann Bass Fletcher-deceased, was sick in the hospital or at home, Keith was placed
in the family rotation for sitting with and taking care of his grandmother before her death because he loved
her so much and he wanted to help.
Keith was just a little boy when his grandfather, Rev. Dr. Henry C. Fletcher-deceased, recruited him to ride
to church every Sunday morning with him. ‘Dad’, as his grandfather was affectionately called, was
preaching in the pulpit and Keith would be right up there beside him listening intently. They were partners
in the pulpit for years. Keith was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Ironton Ohio. Have no doubt,
Keith knew and loved God deeply!
Keith adored his older brother, Ryan ‘Hank’ Fletcher of Ironton, Ohio, and his younger sister, Maranda D.
Howard of Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Since his brother lives so far away, Keith was always checking in
with him to make sure his brother, his niece and nephew, Daija Dawn, and Laz, were alright.
Keith was very protective of Maranda. So much so that he moved into her house to look after her. Keith
started a cooking channel ‘Instapothead’ chronicling his so-called adventures in cooking for his son and
sister. Keith had special bonds with his brother and sister because he loved them dearly.
Keith was loved and adored by his parents, Ronald K. and Melony L. Howard, Lakewood Ranch, Florida,
and there are no words to say how much we miss him. He was dearly loved by his aunts, uncles, and
cousins.
A special thank you to Amy Crooks Igualas and Meredith Crooks for everything you have done to help us
when we needed it most.
Service
6502 SW 102nd AvenueBushnell, Bushnell
Visitation
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Rest well in heaven's
glory. My sincere condolences and prayers to the family.
-Avery Washington
Good times with Keith.