John K. Keach,
John K. Keach
July 7, 1927 ~ April 11, 2012
John Kessler Keach, Sr., 84, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away on April 9, 2012. John was born to Glenn and Lucile Kessler Keach on July 7, 1927, in Seymour, Indiana, and attended Shields High School (class of 1945) before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He attended Butler University (class of 1950) where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. On January 21, 1950, John married Elaine (Kilcline) Keach. In 1951, they moved from Seymour, Indiana, and settled in Columbus, Indiana, where John was instrumental in the development of the Columbus branch of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association. After 47 years, he retired from the Home Federal Bancorp (now Indiana Bank & Trust Company) having held positions of Teller, Branch Manager, President, CEO, Chairman of the Board & Chairman Emeritus. John also had held various positions in the Indiana League of Savings Institutions, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and Family Financial Life Insurance Company. He valued the opportunity to participate in the development and growth of Bartholomew County and the surrounding areas by serving and leading various local organizations. He was a member of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and received the Junior Chambers' coveted Distinguished Service Award in 1960 and the Chamber's Annual Community Service Award in 1969. One of John's most significant contributions to the community was his service as a Trustee and President of the Bartholomew County Library during the planning and construction of the Cleo Rogers Memorial County Library in the late 1960's. Other organizations that John served were Bartholomew County United Way, Columbus Economic Development Board, St. Columba Catholic Church Council, Columbus Elks Lodge #521, Columbus American Legion Post #24, Knights of Columbus, and Optimist Club of Columbus. He was also a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. John, as well, served on the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association for Butler University and was a member of the Indianapolis Alumni Chapter of Sigma Chi. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine (Kilcline) Keach; daughter, Helene Robinson (David) of Houston, TX; sons, John K. Keach, Jr. (Nan) of Columbus, IN, David M. Keach (Jill) of St. Louis, MO, and Gregory S. Keach (Sybil) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Elaine Robinson, Kate Green (Andy), Julie Kerrigan (Brendan), JK Keach, Michael Keach (Lauren), Megan Keach, Emily Kunkel (Bob), and Sarah Baucom (Ryan); great-grandchildren, Austin Neff, Kylie Neff, Andrew Keach, Evelyn Keach, Rocco Cufone III and Agnes Green; and a sister, Kathe Caplinger. John Keach was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn M. & Lucile Kessler Keach, and his sisters Carolyn Zeller and Rosemary Hutchison. John loved spending time with his family and friends, playing golf at Harrison Lake Country Club and visiting Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. John's community and family will miss him dearly. VISITATION: 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday April 11, 2012 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 1306 27th St. Columbus, IN 47201 FUNERAL MASS: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday April 12, 2012, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Father Clem Davis officiating. BURIAL: Garland Brook Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of South Central Indiana or St. Bartholomew Catholic Church through the funeral home.
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July 7, 1927 ~ April 9, 2012
John Kessler Keach, Sr., 84, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away on April 9, 2012.
John was born to Glenn and Lucile Kessler Keach on July 7, 1927, in Seymour, Indiana, and attended Shields High School (class of 1945) before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He attended Butler University (class of 1950) where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
On January 21, 1950, John married Elaine (Kilcline) Keach. In 1951, they moved from Seymour, Indiana, and settled in Columbus, Indiana, where John was instrumental in the development of the Columbus branch of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association. After 47 years, he retired from the Home Federal Bancorp (now Indiana Bank & Trust Company) having held positions of Teller, Branch Manager, President, CEO, Chairman of the Board & Chairman Emeritus.
John also had held various positions in the Indiana League of Savings Institutions, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and Family Financial Life Insurance Company. He valued the opportunity to participate in the development and growth of Bartholomew County and the surrounding areas by serving and leading various local organizations. He was a member of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and received the Junior Chambers? coveted Distinguished Service Award in 1960 and the Chamber?s Annual Community Service Award in 1969. One of John?s most significant contributions to the community was his service as a Trustee and President of the Bartholomew County Library during the planning and construction of the Cleo Rogers Memorial County Library in the late 1960?s. Other organizations that John served were Bartholomew County United Way, Columbus Economic Development Board, St. Columba Catholic Church Council, Columbus Elks Lodge #521, Columbus American Legion Post #24, Knights of Columbus, and Optimist Club of Columbus. He was also a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. John, as well, served on the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association for Butler University and was a member of the Indianapolis Alumni Chapter of Sigma Chi.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine (Kilcline) Keach; daughter, Helene Robinson (David) of Houston, TX; sons, John K. Keach, Jr. (Nan) of Columbus, IN, David M. Keach (Jill) of St. Louis, MO, and Gregory S. Keach (Sybil) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Elaine Robinson, Kate Green (Andy), Julie Kerrigan (Brendan), JK Keach, Michael Keach (Lauren), Megan Keach, Emily Kunkel (Bob), and Sarah Baucom (Ryan); great-grandchildren, Austin Neff, Kylie Neff, Andrew Keach, Evelyn Keach, Rocco Cufone III and Agnes Green; and a sister, Kathe Caplinger.
John Keach was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn M. & Lucile Kessler Keach, and his sisters Carolyn Zeller and Rosemary Hutchison.
John loved spending time with his family and friends, playing golf at Harrison Lake Country Club and visiting Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
John?s community and family will miss him dearly.
VISITATION: 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday April 11, 2012 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 1306 27th St. Columbus, IN 47201
FUNERAL MASS: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday April 12, 2012, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Father Clem Davis officiating.
BURIAL: Garland Brook Cemetery.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS:
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of South Central Indiana or St. Bartholomew Catholic Church through the funeral home.
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Greg, Sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Bill Bramhall
Mr. Keach always had a kind word for everyone who walked into the bank, as well as his employees. I’m sorry for your loss. Deb
Mrs. Keach, Elaine, John, David and Greg…Carol and I were saddened to hear of your loss. Please know you all are on our minds and in our prayers.
Greg, Please except our deepest sympathy. Always keep in your heart that your dad is in a better place and all will meet again. God speed.
Greg and Family,Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Greg, Sorry for your loss and I will have you and your family in my prayers.
John, I and sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I remember how he help me and my brothers with finacial issues with our father during some difficult times. The thought of him brings back great childhood memories of Columbus and our days in school together…you and your family are in my prayers. Terry
The Columbus community has lost a wonderful man. I met John Keach Sr. when I worked at Home Federal Bank. He knew the name of every employee and greeted us all by name when he visited the bank. His accomplishments in the banking world and in our community will be remembered.
My wife and I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the Keach family on the passing of John Sr. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
my deepest sympathy for you Elaine, and the family. an elder of the community was lost and will be missed by those who knew how gracious he was…..
It was a privilege and pleasure to get to yyknow and to have worked with John during the 24 years I was with the Indiana League/IBA. John was always a true gentleman. My sincere condolences to Elaine, John, Jr., Nan, and to the entire Keach family.
What a kind man your Dad was such a sweet gentle smile is what I remember most God Bless your entire family during this difficult time
My deepest sympathy goes out to John’s family. I worked for him for many years. He was a kind, giving and wonderful person.
My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one….trust Jehovah God to give you the comfort you need.(Psalm 55:22; Psalm 18:2)
Dear Mrs. Keach & Family, I am so sorry to learn of Mr. Keach’s death. I have so many,many fond memories of time spent with all of you while I was David’s classmate. My own Father died 2 years ago tomorrow, and I like to think that they can visit each other once again. I’m praying for all of you. Very truly, Patrick Bickers
John was a special person to many friends and his family. I have been privileged to be a part of his working family for the past 43 years and will cherish those memories. Keeping your family close in thoughts and prayers.
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I watched the family video and thought what a great life John and his family have had. I loved to hear Gene tell the stories of the early days in Seymour. So sorry, Martha Coryea
Elaine and Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Another good man has joined the citizens in Heaven. bb
Mrs Keach & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Keach was a wonderful man to so many people. I always enjoyed talking Butler basketball with him. Your family is in my prayers.
Keach Family So many fond memories I have of John -growing up we all had so many fun times together. He was such a fun loving person and I always admired him as a person and a father and businessman. Thoughts and prayers are being sent to all of you at this most difficult time. Just be consoled in knowing that he is in a better place and is not suffering. He did so many wonderful things for the Columbus community and will be remembered for a long long time.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of great sadness. Mr Keach was a kind and caring man to everyone. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. I feel very blessed to have worked with Mr Keach for so many years. I love hearing the stories of people coming to the bank and saying “I remember when I first came to Columbus and talked to Mr. Keach. He helped me get started with my first loan” He was certainly an inspiration to many people and will be thoroughly missed by fellow employees, customers, the community etc…
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of great sorrow. John was a wonderful person. He was kind and generous and will be greatly missed.
Love to All
To the Keach family…Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I feel so very blessed to have been part of John’s HF/IBT family for these past 31 years. He was a caring and considerate leader. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
Elaine,John and Nan and family, Our sincere condolences to you on the loss of John. John was a true man of class and dignity. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Steve and Alyce
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It has been my pleasure to work for the Keach family for the past 23 years at Indiana Bank and Trust Company. I am truly saddened by your loss.
Thoughts and prayers for all the Keach Family.God Bless you!
It has been a pleasure to work for the Keach Family for the past 22 1/2 years at Home Federal/IBT! Mr. Keach was a wonderful, considerate man with a big smile and a very tender heart! The community has definitely been saddened by his loss and he has left a lot of wonderful stories to be remembered. Hang onto those precious memories and look forward to being reunited once again! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always remember Mr. Keach as a very kind and caring person.
Nan, You are in my thoughts and prayers. This has been such a difficult season for your family. God bless you and grant you His peace. Lorraine
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family for the loss of Mr. Keach.
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My thoughts and prayers are with the Keach family.
John and family, I want to let you know that I am praying for you all during this sad time of saying good-bye to your loved one. I worked at branch 1 in seymour and always looked forward to his smiling face when he came in the branch. He was a people person and will be missed by his former customers and his old and new friends and the loved ones that he is leaving behind. May God hold you all close at this time.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Keach, but have heard many stories from I.B.T. employees and customers as to what a wonderful man he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Greg, Very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Henry.
Dear Helene, John Jr.,David and Greg, Please accept our sympathy for the loss of your Dad. We salute him as friend and admirer. He is in the van of the best I’ve ever known. He financed our first ever home when we moved to Columbus in 1962 with a pitiful downpayment and a hand shake and without data bases, which faith we appreciated and respected. We subsequently found we shared a date of birth, the Navy, college fraternity, community bservice, church and its support, HLCC and its admin.,Hilton Head, etc. and most of all a similar sense of what is important in life. While he was gentle and modest man, he enjoyed invariably skinning me at golf. You have a wonderful legacy and a duty to continue his values. In Hoc, John. I’m better for having known you, Tom Lyon
Our condolences and prayers go the Mr. Keach’s family. I worked for Mr. Keach at “Home Federal” for almost 11 years and he was a kind, considerate man, boss and mentor. The legacy of his life was a true blessing to all who knew him.
So sorry about John. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have so MANY fond memories of our time with John, Elaine, Johnny and Nan. Our love to all of you.
Megan, Your friends at RGA are deeply sorry for your loss. We know how much you loved your grandfather. May peace be with and your family at your time of need. Much love!!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have had the pleasure of working with John at IBT and really enjoyed his smiling face when he would come to the branches. He will be missed.
To the Keach and Robinson families- I am so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather. I know Daby was the rock of the family and will be at the heart of many memories. Please know that my parents and Chad and I send our love and prayers during this difficult time. Love, Lyndsay
Holding your family close in thought and prayer as you walk through this difficult time. With Heartfelt Sympathy.
Our prayers are with you and all of the family in the loss of your Father.
To the Keach and Robinson families- Deb and I were so sad to hear about Uncle John and feel great sympathy for the loss of such a great man and loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. We know John will be missed tremendously and our memories of his strong and kind heart will be with us forever. Deb and I send our love, thoughts and prayers and wish we could be there for you.
A wonderful man, and he will be truly missed.
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of John — really enjoyed meeting him and knowing him. Know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.