Keith Mann Gleason

Feb. 28, 2024

Keith Mann Gleason, aged 76, passed away on his farm outside of Lyons, Colorado, February 28, 2024.

He is survived by his wife, Joanna, his daughter Jane, grandson Christopher, and sister Gail. Keith is predeceased by his father Henry Baird Gleason, his mother, Dorthy Nadine Gleason, and his brother Dennis Baird Gleason.

Keith was born in Oklahoma City, but after two years the family moved to a farm near Guthrie, Oklahoma. He graduated from Guthrie HIgh School (1965), earned a degree from Oklahoma State University in Physics, and a Masters degree in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

For some years he worked as a optics and spectroscopy for Western Electric, and the Boeing Aerospace Corporation. When he began his career as Observatory Manager at the Sommers-Baush Observatory at the University of Colorado, he found his most fulfilling work as a teacher and mentor for both students and the public at large.

Keith loved his farm, sheep and dogs that, for over 40 years, he so diligently cared for and looked after.

We ask that as a tribute and remembrance that friends and family pause on April 8th, at the time of the solar eclipse in your area, and think of Keith and his lifelong passion for astronomy.

Published in the Guthrie News Leader - March 20, 2024