Keith Coombs

Biography

Keith Hales Coombs, 88, of Fielding, Utah, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 01, 2013. Keith was born March 17, 1925, in Garland, Utah. He was the second of six children born to Irvin and Alta Coombs. He spent his childhood years in their home in Fielding and grew up working, riding, and driving teams on the family ranch west of Plymouth. He attended Fielding Elementary School and graduated from Bear River High School.

He married his eternal companion, Lola Dean Hill, on October 20, 1949, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Together, they welcomed five daughters and one son and raised their family in Fielding. Keith and Lola celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in 2009. The highlights of their life were spending time together with children and grandchildren.

Keith's passions have always included horses and helping others. He was a devout horseman and rancher throughout his whole life. He was a true cowboy; he helped ingrain western heritage into the lives of many. He calf roped, team roped, and rode bulls in rodeos; there has never been a time when he didn't own a horse. He is well known for his generous support and countless hours of service given to anyone, especially youth, interested in the western lifestyle. Keith had many friends around the country which he cherished.

Keith treasured his time as a school bus driver for the Box Elder County School District for over 15 years. He developed lasting friendships with many young people through mutual respect. After retiring, Keith and Lola worked for eight summers as range riders for the Logan Canyon Cattle Association. He enjoyed life in the canyon and the people he met from all over the world who were in awe of meeting a real cowboy.

He spent time braiding and has given away countless bridle reins. He has an extensive collection of bits, spurs, and other western equipment, which he has displayed at fairs and other western gatherings. As interesting as his collection is, it is his stories that bring the collection to life.

Keith was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served faithfully in many callings including: Sunday School presidency, home teacher, and boys' basketball coach. He was a member of the 1949 All-Church Basketball team, where they took runner-up in the competition. He also played basketball with the Shoshone-Bannock team from Washakie and formed long-lasting friendships with the Navajo Tribe from Vanderwagen, New Mexico.

He was a founding member of the Plymouth Roping Club. He was on the committee that sought approval to hold the first high school rodeo in Utah. Keith was a member of the Box Elder County Mounted Sheriff's Posse where he served in various positions including Posse Chief. He also served on the Fielding City Town Council.

In 1994, Keith was honored by the State of Utah with a Governor's Volunteer Award. Keith and Lola were selected as Grand Marshall of the Box Elder County Fair Parade in 1998. In July 2011, Keith represented Box Elder County as a National American Cowboy at Ogden Pioneer Days.

Keith is survived by his devoted, loving, supportive wife, Lola, and his six children, Susan (Gary) Wakley, Judy (Rick) Steed, Cindy Coombs, Lana Coombs, Kirk (Tina) Coombs, and Joann (Matt) Allen, 20 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Carol Forsberg, and his brother, Theo Coombs. He was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Lamb, his brothers, Verl and Vernon Coombs, and his parents, Irvin and Alta Coombs.
A special thanks to all the Bear River Care Center and IHC Hospice employees for their loving service. Also, a special thanks to many family and friends for their kindness and service.
Keith always said he lived a great life, there was no place he wanted to go that he didn't go and nothing he wanted to do that he didn't do.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 6, 12:00 noon, at the Fielding Stake Center (4375 West 15600 North Fielding, UT). Family and friends visitation will be held Monday, August 5, 6-8 p.m. and August 6, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Fielding Stake Center.