Third generation publisher, STPA historian Sam Keach dies

ROBSTOWN – Sam Fore Keach, the third generation of his family to publish his hometown newspaper and the fourth generation to serve as president of the South Texas Press Association, died April 24. He was 75.
Originally formed in 1919, the Robstown Record, later The Nueces County Record-Star, saw several changes in ownership until 1926, when it was purchased by Elma and Sam L. Fore Jr.
The Fores’ oldest daughter, Marion, and her husband, Carroll Keach, came to work at the paper in 1941, and took over ownership in 1967. The paper continued to be owned and operated by their son, Sam Keach, and his son, Darrell Keach, until the family sold the newspaper in 2006.
A Robstown area resident for all but three of his 75 years, Kinch began his newspaper career at the Record as a printer’s devil and photographer at age 12. He earned a bachelor of journalism degree in 1966 from the University of Texas. While at UT, he was managing editor of The Daily Texan and worked on the sports and news staff, covering some of Darrell K. Royal’s greatest moments with the Longhorns on the gridiron and in the locker room.
At age 21, he became managing editor of The Edinburg Daily Review. He returned to the family’s newspaper in 1967.
Kinch was one of four generations of his family to serve as president of the South Texas Press Association. Author of the book “A Family Affair - the First 75 years of the South Texas Press Association,” published in 2002, he served as the association’s historian until his death.
He was on hand in 2010 for the dedication of a Texas State Historical Marker commemorating the history of his family’s newspaper.
Keach was also active in his community, serving as scoutmaster of Robstown’s Boy Scout Troop 184, where both of his sons earned Eagle Scout Awards. In 1983, he was scoutmaster of the South Texas troop for the trip to the World Jamboree in Canada. He was Wood Badge trained, a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award.
He also served on the boards of Nueces County Memorial Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, Robstown Area Historical Museum and Robstown Economic Development Commission.
Keach was a driving force in the development of the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds. The Nueces County Keach Family Library, constructed on the fairgrounds in 2007, was named in honor of him and of his family’s 80 years in journalism, informing the public and encouraging the continuation of education of youth in the area.
He was preceded in death by his son, Sam Fore Keach Jr., in 2017.
He is survived by his wife of more than 57 years, Vicki Jackson Keach; daughter, Kim Keach Eddy of Kendalia; son, Darrell Keach of Corpus Christi; daughter-in-law, Kristy Champagne Keach of George West; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the the Robstown Area Historical Museum, the South Texas Press Association Scholarship Fund or the Texas Newspaper Foundation.
A private graveside service was held at Robstown Memorial Park with the Rev. Jeff Hammond, pastor of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg, officiating.
A celebration of life is planned for a future date.