Robert E. Keithley

Robert E. Keithley, 76, formerly of Greencastle and Indianapolis, died Friday, Aug. 28, 2009 at his Mississippi residence.

He was the son of Goldie Irene Garringer and Harold Willis Keithley, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Elenore Frances Kidwell Oct. 16, 1954, and she preceded him in death June 23, 2007.

Mr. Keithley served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from May 1951 to May 1954. He became a fire fighter for the Indianapolis Fire Department on Sept. 12, 1957, being promoted to lieutenant on Jan. 12, 1977. He was presented with the Fireman of the Year award in 1981 and retired in 1989 after 31 1/2 years of service.

Surviving are his children Karen Thornburgh and husband Larry of Mississippi, Laura Keithley of Greencastle, Robin Goff and husband Ron of Greencastle, Robert Keithley II and wife Linda of Morristown, Curtis Kleeman and wife Annette of Nashville, Rita Wells and husband Kent of Round Rock, Texas and James Keithley and wife Michelle of Phoenix; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Myrtle, Mary and Bonnie; brothers Harold and James; and great-grandson Jonathan Strong.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Shirley Brothers Irving Hill Chapel, 5377 E. Washington St., Indianapolis. Calling will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.