WESTFIELD
The Rev. J. William “Bill” Keith Jr., 69, of Westfield, a retired United Methodist Church pastor, passed away Sept. 30, 2015, at the Franklin United Methodist Community in Franklin.
He was born May 17, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the Rev. James William Keith and Gladys M. (Moore) Keith. He married Pamela (Hixon) Keith, who preceded him in death on Dec. 8, 2008.
He was a graduate of the University of Evansville and Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.
In 1974, he received his ordination as a deacon and in 1977 as an elder in the South Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. His ministerial appointments were at Hamlet United Methodist Church from 1974 to 1976, Petersville United Methodist Church from 1976 to 1981, Corydon United Methodist Church from 1981 to 1985, DePauw Memorial United Methodist Church in New Albany from 1985 to 1990, Sandy Hook United Methodist Church in Columbus from 1990 to 2000, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Bloomington from 2000 to 2002, district superintendent of the Indianapolis East District 2002 to 2009 and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Carmel until his retirement in 2013.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Survivors include his sister, Carolyn Keith Burr (David G. Lewis) of North Caldwell, New Jersey; nephew, Matthew K. Burr (Holden Osborne) of Brooklyn, New York; niece, Amanda J. Burr (Jeremy Xido) of New York City; and two great-nieces, Keziah Jean Burr and Sovanni Qamar Burr Xido
A memorial service and celebration of life for the Rev. J. William “Bill” Keith Jr. will be conducted at 3 p.m. Friday at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 4780 E. 126th St., Carmel, with a reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church in memory of the Rev. J. William Keith Jr., with designation to Africa University Campaign or the Building Disciples Centers Campaign in care of the UMC Center, 301 Pennsylvania Parkway, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46028.
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 S. Morton St. (U.S. 31 South) in Franklin is handling arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortury.com.
Information: 317-738-0202
