Earl Keith Whitson
Earl Keith Whitson passed peacefully December 11, 2024, after 87 years. Born in Ringgold County, 3rd of 4 children, of LeRoy M. Whitson and Alice D. Scott Whitson. Keith grew up in a farm-focused family, playing basketball and baseball, graduating from Beaconsfield High School in 1955. Shortly after that, he married the love of his life Beth Avalee Walters Whitson on August 2, 1957. The family grew quickly, with Brian, Kathy, Peggy and Hugh. Keith was devoted to his children and shared his sense of play with them, whether it was card games, water-skiing tricks or just joking around.
Besides family, farming was his passion. He began farming with his dad and continued farming with his brothers and brothers-in-law and later with his son. He always raised soybeans, corn and cattle, and most of the years farrowed and finished an uncountable number of hogs. Keith modeled an incredible work ethic and tenacity for his children and grandchildren. His good nature and positive attitude earned him the respect and friendship of all those with whom he interacted. Despite struggling with numerous physical and medical challenges, he maintained a positive outlook on life.
Keith also managed, between family and farming, to pursue a dream of flying. Although far outside his farming comfort zone, he mastered the Cessna 150 airplane, just like any other piece of farm equipment. He buzzed the house to announce he had obtained his pilot’s license in 1970, landing on the grass strip in Beaconsfield so he could give all his kids a ride.
He was preceded in death by his parents LeRoy M. Whitson and Alice D. Scott Whitson; siblings Norma Osborn and Dale Whitson.
He is survived by wife Beth; brother Raymond (Sandy) Whitson; children Brian Whitson, Kathy (Kevin) Bretz, Peggy Whitson (Clarence Sams) and Hugh (Jackie) Whitson; grandchildren Christopher (Laura) Whitson, Tyler Whitson, Tess (Tanner) Rinehart, Bailey Myer, Megan Smith, Kelsey Whitson; great-grandchildren Letty, Pierce and Breckin Whitson and Clyde, Ike and Quinn Rinehart; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Wishard Chapel Community Church on Monday, December 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with services beginning at 11 a.m.. A memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.
