Keith Anthony Howard was born in Columbia, MS on March 15, 1980, to Dollie and Marcus Howard.  He was their first and only boy and was welcomed with such a joy and pride.  Keith was an active child, participating in sports, clubs, and church activities early on and he mastered most of the tasks he set out to do.  

Keith graduated from East Marion High School in 1998 and went on to join the United States Marine Corps, where he excelled in every aspect.  Keith was promoted through the ranks and at the time of his death he was a Corporal having achieved many accolades, including the purple heart and medal of courage and honor.  Keith married his high school sweetheart, Nikiba A. Irvin, in May of 1999 and they went on to have 3 beautiful children, Alexis, Brandon, and Keith Jr, (KJ).  Keith made a hard decision and uprooted his family from their home base, Camp Shelby in Mississippi and moved to Okinawa, Japan.  The family remained there until Keith's untimely passing.  

Keith was preceded in death by his mother, Dollie Howard; grandmother, Maelene Pittman; and uncle, Raynard Howard.  

Keith leaves behind a loving and devoted wife, Nikiba (Kiba) Howard; and their three children, Alexis, Brandon, and KJ.  Keith had 5 siblings, Jahnean Howard-Crumedy(Marvin), Vincent Martin (TeTe), Kevin Howard, Kim Howard, and Joey Howard(Keyshia).  He also leaves his brothers and sisters of the United States Marine Corps Hanson Base in Okinawa, Japan, and Semper Fi family.  

Keith was loved and cherished by many but God saw fit that he needed him as a Marine in his army above.