Keith Thomas, 71, passed away on April 23, 2014. He graduated with honors from Illinois State University. He taught English and Reading at Homewood Flossmoor High School during which time he coached the HF golf team to a state championship. Also during that time, he was part owner of The Paperback Shoppe in Chicago Heights and earned a Masters Degree in Reading Education from Loyola University in Chicago. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Reading Education from University of Arizona in Tucson. He then took a position as assistant professor of reading education at University of Northern Iowa where he was in charge of the reading clinic. Following that, he became a professor of reading education at ASU in Tempe. He worked primarily with graduate and doctoral students and was a respected advisor and mentor. During this time, he co-authored a reading methods textbook. He also did consultation work with the Navajo and Hopi tribes' educational systems. He retired from ASU with professor emeritus status. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother. He is survived by his wife, Karen; three children, two grandchildren, a sister and six nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 24th at 1:00pm at Fellowship Square, 155 W. Brown Road, Mesa. Donations may be made in his name to Boy Scout Troop 283, 5751 S. Crossbow Pl., Chandler, AZ 85249.

(Source: Arizona Republic)