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 Rev. Graham L. and Cornelia M. (Schlundt) Kleespie. As a young boy, his family moved to Whitestown and then to Columbia City in 1945 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 in to 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 also 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 of Columbia City and Karman A. G. (Brian) Whiteneck of 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 held at 3 p.m. Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church, 204 South Main Street, Columbia City with visitation after 2 p.m. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be at South Park Annex Cemetery with military honors presented by Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.

Preferred memorials are to Grace Lutheran Church.