Keith Ellis Shean

Keith Ellis Shean — loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, fighter pilot, baseball player, tennis lover, and world traveler — took his last hop on October 26, 2026, at the age of 83.

Keith was born on December 7, 1942, in Vancouver, Washington, to Paul and Orralee Shean. Baseball was a lifelong passion, beginning in his youth and continuing through college, where he played shortstop for the University of Oklahoma. He was later scouted by the Cleveland Indians and played in their minor league system before his professional baseball career came to an end. Fittingly, he went 4-for-4 in his final game.

Keith joined the U.S. Navy in 1968 and served as an F-4 fighter pilot during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Midway. He went on to fly F-14s and command multiple squadrons. From 1980 to 1982, he was assigned to the Red Eagles, where he flew the MiG-17 and MiG-23. He later served as executive officer aboard the USS Constellation and completed his naval career as Commodore of Training Air Wing THREE.

His career achievements included over 5,500 flight hours in tactical jet aircraft, 246 combat missions in Vietnam, 2 combat missions in Lebanon, and 1,002 carrier landings (300 night traps). Decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, 4 Meritorious Service Medals, 13 Strike/Flight Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Commendation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and Vietnam Service Medal. He retired from the Navy in 1992.

During his time stationed at Miramar, Keith met Charlotte Nye, then a Navy Ensign. Their romance moved quickly, and they married just three months after meeting, on February 9, 1974. They shared 52 years of marriage and raised four daughters — Lara, Molly, Libby, and Charlotte — ultimately making San Diego, California, their home. Keith and Charlotte shared a life and love made for the big screen, and a day never passed without him telling her how beautiful she was and how much he loved her.

After 25 years in the Navy and 20 years at Cubic, Keith retired from working life entirely and began a new chapter with Charlotte in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, to be closer to some of their daughters. They spent their retirement traveling, going to the movies, and sharing a daily crossword, in which he often forced words that Charlotte corrected when he wasn't looking.

Keith was a devoted grandfather to his six grandchildren — Tommy, Jack, Tyler, Lorelei, Rocco, and Vinny. He loved sneaking them McDonald's milkshakes, taking them to “pancake heaven,” making them his famous cinnamon toast, teaching them to hit lefty (one step closer to first base!), driving them to practices, and cheering them on at "wrastling" matches, baseball games, and dance performances. He treasured time with his daughters and sons-in-law, Mark, Ben, and Greg, and will be remembered for the humor, warmth, and traditions he brought to their lives.

Although his accomplishments were many, his boasts were few. He showed us all how to be humble, work hard, and love generously.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow immediately at 12:00 p.m. at Schramka Funeral Home, 13220 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53005. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward at Bobby’s Bar, 14735 W. Lisbon Road, Brookfield, WI 53005.