Elmer M. Keith, age 93, of Indiana, entered into God’s eternal care on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at the Indiana Regional Medical Center.
He was born in 1924 in Greenwich to Ellsworth and Bertha Lamer Keith.
He served in the US Army during WW II, Company A 15th Infantry Regimen, 3rd Division, seeing action in Italy, France, and Germany. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts.
Elmer married Lois Semelsberger on June 26, 1947. They lived in Nanty Glo and Medina, OH, before eventually settling in Indiana where he made his home and raised his family since 1966.
He worked for years in the coal mines, first with R&P Coal Co., and then with Bethlehem Mines, retiring from Tanoma Coal Co. as a section foreman.
Elmer’s greatest joy was his family, whether at home or traveling to New Hampshire or Wyoming. His children and grandchildren were the focus of his life.
A devout Christian he had been a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church and for the last 30 years attended the Grace United Methodist Church.
Elmer is survived by one son and two daughters – Frederick M. and wife Wendy, Exeter, NH; Janice L. Kennedy and husband Joseph, Indiana; Lori J. McCreary and husband Timothy, Gillette, WY; nine grandchildren – Erik, Patrick and wife Valentina, Michael, Cody and wife Krystal, Meghan and husband Luke, Shane and wife Molly, Marianne, Amylee, and McKenna; two great granddaughters – Alina and Olivia; four sisters – Arlene, Odessa, Sylvia, and Patricia.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lois on August 9, 2010, an infant son Kenneth, and the following siblings – Joe, Don, Edna, Elizabeth, and Goldie.
Friends will be received on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, Indiana. A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11 A.M at the Grace United Methodist Church with Pastor Kathy Mihoerck officiating. Interment will be made in the North Barnesboro Cemetery.
