Robert (Bob) McKeithen, 81, of Martinsburg, WV, passed away on July 18, 2024.

He was born on April 4, 1943 to Robert and Greely McKeithen in Jackson, MS while his dad was out of country serving in the US Army in World War II.    Bob may have developed his love for travel during his childhood.    From Jackson, the family moved to Utica, MS, Laurel, MS, then Glendale, MS, and eventually headed north to New London, WI, followed by Shawano, WI where Bob attended Shawano High School his Senior year.  After graduating  he went to college at Milsaps College in Jackson, MS.  After a year of study, Bob entered the Navy, being stationed in San Diego and served on ships and submarines during the Vietnam War, 

Upon completion of his 4 years of service he returned to WI, completing his degree at the University of Oshkosh in just 3 years, graduating in 1968 after which he secured a teaching position in Merton, WI.  

When Senator George McGovern made a bid for the Whitehouse, Bob moved to South Dakota to join the campaign as press secretary.  McGovern was the only candidate strongly against the Vietnam war.  At the conclusion of the unsuccessful run at the presidency, Bob followed Senator McGovern to Washington DC, supporting him in his senatorial role.

It was this move to Washington DC that caused Bob to realize he loved the east coast, exclaiming at one point that he would never again live west of the Mississippi River.  Falling in love with the beautiful rolling hills of West Virginia, Bob made his home there with Bonnie in 2011.

Bob’s passion for helping the underdog led him to spending time and effort while living in Wisconsin, to helping improve the lives of migrants who worked there.

One of his other passions was driving/riding any and every type of vehicle.  He raced VW’s in San Diego while stationed there, raced his Toyota Land Cruiser in the Crandon, WI mud runs for several years, participated in Lethbridge climbs and eventually participated on the race circuit where Paul Newman occasionally raced.  There are many, many stories about he, his brother, brother-in-law and friend trying to outdo each other while four-wheeling.  Most stories ended in hours spent digging more than one of them out the mud and snow

Bob fell in love with motorcycles, taking a lone trip all the way to South America and taught motorcycle racing.  For a period of time, he drove bus for the VA, helping veterans get to and from their appointments.  And for a number of years, he was a bus trip driver.  He always enjoyed interacting with the young people on these trips, challenging their minds and listening to their hopes and dreams.

Traveling was another love of his and he, Bonnie and their beloved dogs spent five years touring all over the United States full time in their RV, up until the last couple of years.  What adventures they had!

Bob will be very missed by his family and friends.

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