COLUMBIA CITY — Keith A.W. Kleespie, 74, Columbia City, died at 3:35 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, at Miller’s at Oak Pointe.
He was born July 7, 1943, in Indianapolis, a son of the Rev. Graham L. and Cornelia M. Schlundt Kleespie. As a young boy, his family moved to Whitestown and then in 1945 to Columbia City, where his father pastored at Grace Lutheran and Coesse Lutheran churches. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1962 and Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1965.
On March 1, 1966, he was inducted into the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged Feb. 28, 1972.
Keith began his 55 years of funeral service in 1962 with J.A. Demoney & Son Funeral Home until 1979, when he began working for Smith & Sons Funeral Homes. In 1979 he completed his real estate licensing and began selling for Fireside Realty until 1985, when he became a broker and sold real estate for Orizon Real Estate.
Associated with the Miss Indiana Pageant since 1973, he served as scholarship chairman as well as various other positions. He was also affiliated with the Miss America Pageant.
Keith was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Whitley County Hospital Foundation Board, chairman of the local bicentennial committee, American Lung Association Board, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks 1417, American Legion Post 98, Whitley County Board of Realtors, Jaycees, Indiana Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association and National Disaster Emergency Response Team.
Surviving relatives include two daughters, Kari A. (Chad) Tonkel, Columbia City, and Karman A. G. (Brian) Whiteneck, Warsaw; nine grandchildren: Kole Tonkel, Davin Lawrence, Karlie Whiteneck, Klaire Tonkel, Braiden Whiteneck, Cody Tonkel, Courtney Shoda, Conner Tonkel and Kolby Tonkel; and a great-grandson, Kingston Lawrence.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Graham L. Kleespie.
The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church, 204 S. Main St., Columbia City, with visitation after 2 p.m.
Visitation also will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Burial will be at South Park Annex Cemetery with military honors presented by Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.
*****
Memorials to Grace Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be sent at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.
