Fred Beem Keuthan

Fred Beem Keuthan of Cloverdale, went to be with the Creator on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 while visiting family near Chatanooga, Tenn.

Fred had served in the Indiana Army National Guard from May 1957 through October1968, during which period he accepted the appointment of 2nd lieutenant. He was also a long time member of Ducks Unlimited and a proponent of wetland preservation in the state of Indiana.

As an ordained minister, Fred was active in distributing essentials to those in need at the mission near his home in Cataract, and will be remembered for offering guidance and sharing his spiritual blessings with others.

His ongoing membership and tireless commitment to Alcoholics Anonymous, with nearly 30 years of sobriety, and his devotion to helping others struggling with addictions has been and will continue to be a source of inner strength and courage for those whose lives he has touched.

Fred, a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was preceded in his journey from this world by his beloved wife Mindy, and his youngest granddaughter, Lynida Rose Wood.

He is survived by one brother, William Scott "Bill" Keuthan of Vero Beach, Fla.; children Aliyah K. Sanders of Rapid City, S.D., Mary, S. Rehrer of Hixson, Tenn., Frederick K. Keuthan of Indianapolis, Hale F. Keuthan of Chicago and David Keuthan and Katie Keuthan, both of Indianapolis; nephews Steve Farrington of Cloverdale, Jay Farrington of Cookville, Tenn. and Scott Keuthan of Vero Beach; nieces Pam Boettcher of Leander, Texas and Jennifer Keuthan of Vero Beach; grandchildren, Jamia Hardig, Maryam El-Ameer, Meredith Schultz, Aisha Rizvi, Sam Haaf, Melanie Sanders and Charlie Haaf and great-grandchildren, Devon and Katarina Keuthan and B.J. El-Ameer.

Being blessed by an ethnically and culturally diverse family, Fred grew to become a beacon of tolerance, love and patience for us all. He will be greatly missed, but Fred did not leave his dear friends and loved ones empty or alone; rather, he left behind a legacy of love for one's fellow man and respect for nature along with a challenge to keep this legacy alive.

Viewing for the immediate family was held Dec. 17 prior to cremation Dec. 18 at the Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tenn.

A ceremony will take place at a later date at McCormick's Creek United Pentecostal Church, 3138 E State Highway 46, Spencer.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers a memorial tree be planted, contributions be made to Ducks Unlimited or that time, food, blankets or clothing be donated to the Cataract Mission in Fred's honor.

A special thanks to all who offered their prayers and support to Fred and those closest to him in this time of need. May God richly bless you.