Keith David Armbrust

Keith David Armbrust
October 10, 1976 – March 22, 2023
Keith David Armbrust, 46, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away at home unexpectedly on March 22, 2023, from a pulmonary embolism.

Keith was born on October 10, 1976, to Twila (Cain) and Bryan Armbrust in Lubbock, Texas. Keith attended Sylvan Hills High School and obtained a heavy equipment certification through Job Corp in 1999. Keith drifted between Missouri and Arkansas finding his home in each location a time or two, ultimately settling in the historic Park Hill neighborhood in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

After returning to Arkansas around 2001, Keith began making his mark across the state as a sign man for Arkansas Sign and Neon. This is where he earned his nickname, Diesel. Looking for a career change, in 2016, he changed his focus to dazzling the public with his knowledge of Arkansas history as he operated a Streetcar for Rock Region METRO. His most recent job involved the beautification of his community’s parks while serving in the landscaping department for the City of North Little Rock.

In 2007, Keith met the love of his life, Gwen Armbrust (Stanley). They married on May 9, 2009. Once Keith realized he was in love with Gwen at a stoplight outside of a hospital, he was all hers, completely. Ask anyone, stranger, family, friend or co-worker, Keith never made it a secret how much he adored his wife. Keith was/is the most handsome man Gwen had ever met! Keith was a talker, something Gwen always enjoyed about him. Conversations were never lax, and laughter was always shared. Keith was Gwen’s best friend, her biggest cheerleader and her comfort animal. He could not have been more proud or more happy, as he was when he was with her and with the life they had built together. He was an amazing husband and the best dog dad to Chico, Tia and Sophie.

Keith was an active member in his community. He was a giving man, of his time and talents. He volunteered for a variety of causes including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, and the Girl Scouts. He was an active member of the Early Arkansaw Reenactors Association (EARA), demonstrating the way things once were to the onlookers that passed by at the many rendezvous he attended. This, in part, is where he learned to embrace his social side and developed into the social butterfly that
everyone knew and loved.

Keith had a passion for cars, one of his first loves being his 1972, pea green Plymouth Valiant. He was a skilled mechanic; a trade he learned out of necessity. He enjoyed leatherwork, reading Stephen King novels and listening to rock and country music. His mind was an uncanny encyclopedia of knowledge when it came to movies and music. He would be the pick for any trivia game, but don’t ask him to draw or do math!

Keith always aimed to make people smile. He was known for his jokes, the good and the bad, and his silly selfies. He would dress up for any occasion and make up one if he needed to! Keith enjoyed all life had to offer, big and little. He was an honorable, kind, and charismatic guy, who would do anything for anyone. He loved spending time with his friends and family. His true enjoyment was found in the human connection. This is why he would rather call than text, and why most were often met with a hug.

Keith took all that life had given him and found a way to make the life he wanted. Perhaps he is now spending his time with his grandparents, his favorite mother-in-law (Rita Stanley) and his best four-legged guy, Chico.
He will be forever missed and in the hearts of those who loved him completely.

Keith was preceded in death by his grandparents, Phyllis and Raymond Armbrust and Earlene and Paul Cain. Keith is survived by his wife, Gwen Armbrust, of North Little Rock; his father Bryan Armbrust (Sherry) of New Hampshire; his mother, Twila Desonie of Missouri; his sister Tina Atkins (Josh) of McRae, Arkansas and his brother Bryan Armbrust of California. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of Keith will be held on May 6, 2023, in the Heritage Room next to the Burns Park Golf Pro Shop at 28 Championship Drive in Burns Park, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you would like to send flowers or condolences to the family, you may send them to 4137 John F Kennedy Blvd, Ste B, North Little Rock, AR 72116.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Keith’s name be made to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation. (www.mikeroweworks.org/donate/)

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Ste B1, Little Rock, AR 72205. 

If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the "Tribute Wall" tab. www.arkansascremation.com