Keith D. Armbrust

Keith David Armbrust, 46, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away at home unexpectedly on March 22,2023 with his wife by his side.

Keith was born on October 10, 1976, to Twila (Cain) and Bryan Armbrust in Lubbock, Texas.  Keith started school in Warsaw at R9 with Mrs. Mercer, his favorite teacher, until the age of six, when he moved to Arkansas.  He was so ornery he got kicked out of kindergarten for one day because he would never be quiet! Then again in 1st grade for jumping in mud puddles.

He came to Missouri every year to spend time in Warsaw with his mother and grandparents, Paul and Earlene Cain, helping with whatever his "poppy" wanted to do and grew up with his cousins Jodie and Scott Lindner.  He came up from Arkansas to vacation in Branson with friends and family every year.  

His grandfather Paul was always fishing and held records for Truman Lake, but Keith was not drawn to fishing or hunting.  He loved to talk and amused himself other ways.  He loved making everyone laugh and you couldn't stay mad at him long.

He attended Sylvan Hills High School and obtained a heavy equipment certification through Job Corp in 1999 in Mingo, Missouri. 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.     

Keith was a talker, something Gwen always enjoyed about him.  Conversations were never lax, and laughter was always shared.   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 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 Arkansas 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.  It was such an ugly color, his mother was embarassed to be in it and wouldn't ride in it.  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 was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earlene and Paul Cain of Warsaw, Missouri and Phyllis and Raymond Armbrust of Colorado.

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 Warsaw, Missouri; his sister Tina Atkins (Josh) of McRae, Arkansas and his brother Bryan Armbrust Jr. of California.  He also leaves behind his beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He will be missed greatly by so many people he touched. RIP Keith.