Robert Keith Souders
Robert Keith Souders, 39, was born in Whittier, Calif., and attended schools in La Habra and Fullerton, Calif.
His journalism course at Fullerton Junior College was interrupted by the war in 1943, when he joined the U. S. Air Force and served as a pilot in the Air Transport Command.
Upon discharge from the service in 1947, Souders returned to Fullerton and completed his work there the same year. In 1949 he received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and in 1951 graduated with an M. S. degree in Public Relations and Sociology from Boston University.
In November, 1951, Souders joined the Southern California Edison Company in Los Angeles as editor of employee publications.
He was hired by Aramco in April, 1954, as communication project analyst in the General Office Industrial Relations Planning division. In April, 1957, he transferred to the Public Relations department and was named advertising designer the following September. He became assistant producer, Television, Radio and Press, then supervisor of English Language Publications, and in March, 1963, acting supervisor, Editorial Services.
Souders held the rank of major in the Air Force Active Reserve.
On April 30, 1945, he was married to Vernice Wenoa. Their oldest son, Arthur Kent, 17, attends Pierce Junior College in Los Angeles.
Mrs. Souders, age 38, arrived in Saudi Arabia with Kent in October, 1955. In addition to Kent, she is survived by her sister, Mrs. Zoda Ricketson, 1548 N.E. 19th Ave., Ocala, Fla.
Souders' mother, Mrs. C. L. Souders may be contacted at 2256 Velicata, Woodland Hills, Calif.
The Souders' youngest son, Derek Kenneth, 6, was accompanying his parents and also died in the disaster. [Photographs: Keith Souders, Mrs. Keith Souders, Derek Souders]