Page 34 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2019

PEOPLE in memoriam
BILOXI POLICE OFFICER
ROBERTMCKEITHEN story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
photos by James Edward Bates and courtesy of The McKeithen Family
Ahush fell over the Gulf Coast as loved ones and strangers alike gathered to pay their respects to Biloxi’s fallen hero, Officer Robert McKeithen. Thousands gathered along the 12-mile processional route as the community said its final farewell.
Surrounded by hundreds of law enforcement officers from around the country, it was clear what an impact Officer McKeithen had made in the world. The Air Force veteran’s watch ended much to soon on May 5, 2019, but he is remembered fondly by all who knew him.
The service was held at First Baptist Church Biloxi and every seat was filled – mourners lined the walls. Biloxi Police Chief John Miller spoke, imparting heartfelt stories upon the crowd. “The loves that he knew, the friendships he made, the people he helped, the lives he changed, the lives he saved, and the good times he had, those things can’t be murdered or destroyed or erased,” he said. “They have already happened, already been done and will be a part of this world forever. Even if forgotten over time, they’ll still be present forever in the humanity that we show towards one another.”
Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich fought tears as he remembered the man who had faithfully served the City of Biloxi for almost 24 years. “From all accounts, Robert McKeithen was the epitome of what you would want in a police officer,” Gilich said. “He loved his job. He took pride in representing the Biloxi
Police Department. He was well-liked, a compassionate,
caring professional who had the ability to connect with
people. He was a good cop.”
Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves was also in attendance, sharing the opinion that Officer McKeithen was well known as a man of honor and integrity. “His untimely death is a reminder that there is evil in the world,” he said. “But his life is a reminder that there are still men amongst us who are willing to face that evil to protect those who cannot.”
Officer McKeithen was laid to rest at Biloxi National Cemetery on May 13, 2019. His survivors include his wife, Pamela McKeithen; his children, Amy McKeithen, Levi (Natalie) Grundel, Logan (Lillian) Grundel and Lauren Grundel; his grandchildren, Delmas Cox, Jr. and Kaiden Grundel; his sisters, Melissa McKeithen and Kathryn Martin; and his brother, William McKeithen.
ABOVE: OFFICER Robert McKeithen.
RIGHT: MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY pay their respects to Biloxi’s fallen of cer.
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