Austin Jerome Keith, 82, passed from this world on December 12, 2023, surrounded by his family. Austin was born to Prentiss and Eva Wininger Keith on January 31, 1942, in Washington, Indiana. On April 19, 1960, he married Barbara Chestnut. Together they made a loving home for themselves and their children: Tracey, Cheryl, and Jeff.
Austin was a 1959 high school graduate who went on to attend Purdue University. He grew up living on the family farm that he and his wife, Barbara, would later own and operate. Together, Austin and Barbara created and operated Sugarland Express Trucking. Austin was a charter member of the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department from 1974-1989, where he served as assistant fire chief. He was a member of the Bethany Christian Church.
While he was a successful business owner and active member of his community, Austin always found time to be a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great papaw. He loved to read, watch Westerns and take naps – often naptime meant he had to rewind the Western he fell asleep watching.
Those who now mourn Austin’s passing include his wife, Barbara Keith; children: Cheryl (John) Hardesty, Jeff (Sue) Keith; grandchildren: Ryan (Brianna) Keith, Chris (Charlene) Breeden, Cari Breeden, and Patsy Fleetwood. Additionally, Austin leaves eleven great-grandchildren.
Austin was preceded in death by his parents, Prentiss and Eva Keith; daughter, Tracey Keith; grandson, Cody Keith; and granddaughter, Alicia Keith.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for the Antioch Cemetery (make checks payable to the Antioch Cemetery Association), or Camp Iliana at 723 East 450 South, Washington, Indiana 47501.
Visitation for Austin Jerome Keith will be 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Ed L. Lee Mortuary, 620 East Viola Avenue, Washington, Indiana.
Funeral services for Austin Jerome Keith will immediately follow the visitation on Saturday, December 16, and begin at 1:00 pm, also at the Ed L. Lee Mortuary. Pastor Noah Hinson will officiate. Burial will be in the Antioch Cemetery.
