The founder of Keith Ace Hardware, John Keith, was born in Port Arthur, Texas in 1957. He graduated from the University of Texas in Austin in 1979 and Baylor Law School in 1983. On December 8th, 1983, John Keith purchased that 97-year-old Lee Hardware and Furniture in McGregor, Texas from G.W. Lee. As the new owner, John made it a point to personally meet everyone that came into the store. We continue that tradition today. Under John’s leadership, the stores grew from the one in McGregor to stores also in Hewitt, Clifton, Hubbard, Marlin, Red Oak, Brady and Lorena. In February 2007, John passed away from cancer. His wife Karen, then took the helm and brought in Tom Cox and Beau Nickel, long time and faithful employees, as part owners. Under their leadership Keith Ace Hardware now also has locations in Salado, China Spring, Belton, Meridian, Valley Mills, Copperas Cove & Whitney.
