Growing up in Brimfield, Illinois, Keith attended Brimfield Township High School where he participated in basketball, as well as music and drama.

Entering Lake Forest in 1932, he earned a freshman numeral and one varsity letter in basketball.  He also participated in football and tennis.  Chairman of the College Day Committee and business manager for the Stentor, he was also a member of Beta Beta Beta and Kappa Sigma. 

Graduating with a degree in biology and chemistry, he went on to receive his Master's degree in education from Northwestern.  He then started a 38-year career as a teacher in the Chicago area.  He spent 25 years at Oak Park - River Forest High School, where he retired as Dean of Students.  He continued to serve his alma mater as a Class Agent for 40 years, Director of Alumni Association, acting as Alumni Advisor to Kappa Sigma, and serving on the Alumni Board of Govenors.