By Tracy Gupton
They graduated from Columbia High School 40 years apart. Both suited up for the Roughnecks baseball team and were popular students. Sadly, they passed away 11 days apart last month. Memorial services for Justin Lee Keith have been scheduled for 10 a.m. this Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Scott’s Funeral Home, 1421 East Highway 6 in Alvin, Visitation will begin at 9 a.m.
Services in memory of Mickey Glenn Raasch will be announced later in the Spring. Mickey, the son of the late Dutch and Madelyn Raasch of Wild Peach, passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 78. He was born on December 12, 1947, in Houston. He grew up in the West Columbia area but lived most of his adult life in Corpus Christi. Mickey Raasch was a 1966 graduate of Columbia High.
Justin Keith graduated from Columbia High School in 2006 and excelled in both football and baseball for the Roughnecks. He was voted co-defensive MVP of the varsity football team, sharing the honor in 2005 with James Woodard. Justin was one of the best defensive centerfielders the Roughnecks have ever had. Columbia High’s varsity baseball team made it to the region semifinal series in both Justin Keith’s junior and senior seasons under the leadership of Head Coach Jeff Shank. The Necks were 22-12 in the 2006 season when they were co-champions of District 25-3A with Sweeny.
Justin Lee Keith was born on April 4, 1988, in Huntsville, Texas, the son of Timothy and Susan Keith. “All who had the pleasure of knowing Justin loved him,” it is written in his Scott Funeral Home obituary. “He was known for being loyal, caring and very selfless. Justin proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps in combat.”
Justin was an avid outdoorsman, saltwater fisherman and firearm enthusiast, according to his obituary. It goes on to say, “Justin will be remembered for his strength, loyalty and devotion to his family and the love he held for his children.”
Survivors include Justin’s twin daughters, Nora Lee Keith and Stella Rae Keith, who were the light of his life. He was preceded in death by his father, Timothy Keith, and is also survived by his loving, supportive mother, Susan Keith, his brother, Tyler Upshaw, his sister, Heather Keith, and nephew, Wyatt Upshaw.
The 1966 Roughnecks Baseball team that was coached by Doug Balkum was district champions and won in the bi-district round of the playoffs, becoming regional finalists. The Raasch brothers–Mickey and Wayne–were both on that Columbia High School baseball team from 60 years ago.
Mickey Raasch was the oldest of Wilbur (Dutch) and Madelyn Raasch’s four kids. After graduating from Columbia High School in 1966, Mickey graduated from Texas A&M University in 1973 with a degree in Landscape Architecture. After a brief stint as a city planner in Reno, Nevada, Mickey dedicated his career to public service as a city planner for the City of Corpus Christi, Texas. He retired from the City of Corpus Christi after 37 years of service, according to his obituary.
Mickey received a master’s degree in Public Administration from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi.
His obituary reads: “Mickey was a kind and thoughtful soul, always willing to lend a helping hand to those who needed it. He loved working on the house, long after it was safe for him to do so. More than anything, Mickey enjoyed spending time with his family. He spent countless hours as a Boy Scout leader, soccer coach, cast member of The Nutcracker, and dedicated volunteer for the St. Patrick’s Halloween Carnival.”
Preceded in death by his younger brother, Zack Raasch, and their parents, Dutch and Madelyn Raasch, Mickey leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 39 years, Liz Raasch; his children, Alex Smith (Justin), Jacob Kerwick (Shannon), Rachelle Raasch, and Robin Raasch. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Valerie Smith, and siblings Wayne Raasch and Elizabeth Raasch Pryor.
Mickey Raasch was an Eagle Scout and always spoke fondly of the time he spent at Camp Philmont, his obituary reads. “As a younger man, he enjoyed wind surfing, baseball and softball. Later in life, he began boxing as a form of physical therapy and looked forward to the days he spent at Rock Steady.”
The grieving family of Justin Keith suggests, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Military PTSD Foundation of your choice.
