Keith Michael Gregory Werner, 82, of Elkton, MD, passed away in his home the morning of November 23, 2024. He was born March 12, 1942, in Omaha, NE to the late James Joseph Werner and Cathryne Agnes (Mitchell) Werner.

Keith lived a blessed and fruitful life. After studying at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1960-1964 and earning his Bachelor of Science in General Engineering with minors in History and Russian language, he was commissioned as a U.S. Navy Officer. The same month, he married his high school sweetheart, the late Kathleen Marguerite Winkelman. He continued to serve, continue his education, and earned several medals over the twenty years before his retirement as Lieutenant Commander, in July 1984. Throughout his service, he completed three separate master’s degree programs in the post-graduate fields of Nuclear Physics/Reactor Operations, Joint Intelligence, and International Studies. After retirement from the Navy, he continued to work in the defense industry as a systems engineer for Lockheed Martin in Moorestown, NJ, until his final retirement in 2003.

Keith was very proud of his faith, raised Roman Catholic in a German-Irish family. Throughout his military career, he often served as Catholic Lay Leader, and eventually Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, aboard the ships and marines that he served on. He was very active in his spirituality and his communities, constantly working to expand and grow. Eventually he was called to break down barriers and create unity throughout his Church, as well as starting a nonprofit program called Pilgrims of Faith Marian Center, organizing pilgrimages to many sites throughout the world. He was a long-standing member of Knights of Columbus, assembly No. 380, as a 4^th Degree Knight, and lived the remainder of his life as a member of Immaculate Conception.

Keith will be remembered as the proud patriot that he was, who deeply loved and cared for all. He enjoyed traveling, and cherished his experiences in the Navy, attending all of his alumni trips. His family was very important to him, and he especially loved the time that he got to spend with his grandchildren.

Keith is survived by his children: Kent Werner and his wife Wendy, Katherine Bagnato and her husband Ralph; his grandchildren: Dominic, Raffaele, and Gabriela Bagnato; as well as his companion of three years: Joanne Morris. In addition to his parents, he is preceded by his wife: Kathleen Werner; his son: Kurt Werner; and his brother: Robert Werner.

Visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception, 454 Bow St, Elkton, MD 21921, on Thursday, December 5, at 10:00 a.m. with Memorial Mass following at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice, sent in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A. to P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911.