Keith Hallowell Hubbard of Seaford passed away peacefully on June 25, surrounded by the love of his family. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him as a man who built a life centered on faithfulness to his family, dedication to his work, and genuine kindness toward others.
Born on May 16, 1948, in Easton, Keith was the son of Emerson and Margaret “Peggy” Hubbard. At the age of eight, he moved with his family to Seaford, a town he called home for the rest of his life. He graduated from Seaford High School in 1966. After graduation, Keith proudly served his country in the United States Navy, a chapter of his life that reflected his commitment to service. In the Navy, he conducted photo and electronic warfare intelligence as a Radarman (RD3) E-4 Petty Officer Third Class aboard the USS William M. Wood (DD-715).
On Aug. 8, 1970, Keith married the love of his life, Deborah “Debbie” Jean Whaley, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned decades and was filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Together they raised two children, Kristin and Kyle, who were a constant source of pride and joy. Keith’s greatest happiness came from being “Poppy Pop-Tart” (“Poppy” for short) to his three beloved grandchildren, Kira, Kacie, and Rachel.
Following his military service, Keith studied Civil Engineering at Delaware Technical Community College, but stopped short of a degree to work to support his family. He dedicated his working years to a lifetime of employment in the auto parts and service industry, where his knowledge, strong work ethic, and friendly personality earned the respect of coworkers and customers alike. He never met a stranger. Whether someone knew him for five minutes or 50 years, they were likely to leave feeling like they had made a friend.
Keith had a lifelong love for music. A gifted singer and dancer, he enjoyed nearly every genre, though the Beatles were always his favorite. As a young man, he shared his talent performing with The Cannon Brothers gospel quartet and several rock bands. He also had a lifelong passion for dirt track racing, drag racing, and classic NASCAR, and was a devoted Dale Earnhardt fan. In later years, he enjoyed evenings at the horse races, rounds of golf, relaxing with an ice-cold Pepsi, snacking on animal crackers, and never passing up a bowl of ice cream.
Above all, Keith found his greatest happiness in sharing the things he loved with the people he loved. He will be remembered for his easygoing spirit, warm smile, love of laughter, and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. The memories he created and the joy he brought to family and friends will be cherished always, and his love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Keith was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and a very special nephew, Kip B. Hollaway.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Debbie; children, Kristin Wingate (Shawn) and Kyle Hubbard (Heather); grandchildren, Kira and Kacie Wingate and Rachel Hubbard; step-grandchildren, Devon Demaio and AJ Shepard; his sister, Kathy Hubbard Martin (Don), and a special niece, Kimberly Hollaway Layton (Doug); as well as other cherished family members. In addition, he is survived by his lifelong best friend, Denny Hignutt.
Services will be held on Thursday, July 2 at Cranston Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the service to follow. An additional military service will be held at 2 p.m. at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Seaford VFW Virgil Wilson Post 4961.
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.