In Loving Memory and GratitudeJune 29, 1935 - August 1, 2026

Keith Norman Thomas, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on August 1, 2026, surrounded by family. He was loved dearly and lived his life rooted in faith, family, and service.

Born on June 29, 1935, in Santa Monica, Keith was raised in Los Angeles by his parents, Keith and Betty Thomas, alongside his younger brother Wayne. Keith attended Dorsey High School before enrolling at Occidental College, where he played football. After graduation, he served as a Captain in the United States Air Force and was stationed primarily in Okinawa, Japan, in the mid-1960s. During this time, Keith met Wendy Lou Jensen, a nurse who lived in his apartment building. They were married in 1963 and had three sons: Tyler, Toby, and Tory. Keith and Wendy created special family memories with their boys through coaching many Little League teams, going to Rams and Angels games, and going on many trips, including Keith and Wendy’s favorite annual week at Forest Home Christian Family Camp, where Keith served on the Board of Directors for many years. Keith enjoyed time with his friends at the Portola and Los Caballeros clubs, riding horses throughout Southern California during the 1980s and 1990s, and, in the early 2000s, spent his free time golfing with friends and his sons at the El Niguel Country Club. As always, however, Keith and Wendy made spending time with family their focus and cherished family pool parties and holidays, going to the games and performances of their grandchildren, and staying connected by remaining happily available to join in the fun whenever possible.

Keith was an accomplished entrepreneur and graphic designer, most notably designing logos for Sunkist, RJR, and Hidden Valley Ranch. In 1972, he moved his business, Keith N. Thomas Design, from Los Angeles to Irvine, where he and Wendy raised their sons. Keith and Wendy moved again in 1987 to Laguna Beach, where Keith spent most of the remaining years of his life. Sadly, Wendy passed away in 2005, after 42 years of marriage. In 2010, Keith married Anita Sands, and the two lived together in Laguna Beach for over fifteen years. They met and served together at Laguna Presbyterian Church.

A man of deep faith, Keith served many terms as an elder and taught numerous group Bible studies at his church. He retired in 2015 at the spry age of 80 years old. During his retirement, Keith loved to travel with Anita, fellowship with his Men’s Group at church, and especially looked forward to his annual “Dad and Lads” trip to Paso Robles with his three sons. He also found joy painting in his garage studio, where he created beautiful paintings that are cherished by his family.

Keith was a loving husband, father, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Anita, his sons Tyler, Toby, Tory, and his eight grandchildren. His celebration of life will be held at Laguna Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 18, at 2 pm.