Harold Verne Keith, born amidst the vast plains of the Oklahoma Territory on April 8, 1903, to Malcolm Arrowwood and Arlyn Kee Keith, began his life in the bustling grain trade community of Lambert. From 1921 to 1924, he carved his path at Northwestern State Teachers College, not only immersing himself in academia but also weaving tales for newspapers in Watonga, Alva, Cherokee, and Enid, Oklahoma. Upon transferring to the University of Oklahoma, he took up the mantle of sports editor for the Oklahoma Daily, the vibrant voice of the student body. His columns delved into the rich tapestry of Sooner athletics, spotlighting both the athletes and their feats, catching the eye of statewide publications.

Keith's tenure as a long-distance runner for the University of Oklahoma instilled in him a mantra, later echoed by his character Sergeant Pete Milholland: "You can always go farther than you think you can." In a defining moment in 1928, he triumphed in the indoor mile and two-mile races at the Missouri Valley Conference championship meet. He also anchored the mile for the University's illustrious All-American distance medley relay team.

After earning his bachelor's degree in history in 1929 and briefly assisting in grain buying in Hutchinson, Kansas, Keith returned to his alma mater as the sports publicity director, a role he passionately fulfilled until his retirement in 1969.

On August 30, 1931, Harold and Virginia Livingston began their life together. As their family grew with the births of John Livingston and Kathleen Ann, Keith deepened his exploration of Oklahoma's history, culminating in a master's degree in 1938. His thesis, "Clem Rogers and His Influence on Oklahoma History," laid the groundwork for his initial foray into authorship: a biography of Clem's celebrated son, the humorist Will Rogers. Interviews with Civil War veterans enriched his narrative for Rifles for Watie, a novel that would go on to capture the Newbery Medal in 1958. Keith's literary flair also earned him the Western Writers of America Spur Award in 1975 and two Western Heritage Awards in 1975 and 1979.

Since stepping back from his official duties, Keith has embraced his passions for long-distance running and Sooner athletics. His remarkable athletic prowess set U.S. Masters national records in the two and three-mile events in 1973, and another record for the 10,000 meters in 1974. His latest literary endeavor, Forty-Seven Straight, chronicles the University of Oklahoma football legacy under the legendary coach Bud Wilkinson. Keith's rich collection of writings finds its home at both the Northwestern State College library and the University of Oklahoma library.