Frederick Keith "Fred" Keesling

Frederick Keith “Fred” Keesling, 73, of Arlington, formerly of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Major Hospital in Shelbyville. Fred was born September 2, 1939, in Kennard, Indiana. He was the son of W. Gerald and Isabelle Jane (Darling) Keesling. He married Sara Miller on September 24, 1961, and she survives. Other survivors include daughter, Edie Jo Keesling of Shelbyville; son, Todd E. Keesling of Pendleton; grandchildren, Rachael Carlton, Jerrica Cox and Jessie Cox; brothers, Wilbur (wife, Jessie) Keesling of Grayson, Kentucky, Rex (wife, Pam) Keesling of Greenfork, Daryl (wife, Patti) Keesling of Knightstown and Eric (wife, Margaret) Tribbey of Maryland; sisters, Darlene (husband, Malcolm) Petry and Vikkie (husband, Eddie) Whitham, both of New Castle, Clair (husband, Jerry) Donaldson of Cumberland, Bonnie (husband, Ross) Manche and Colleen Keesling, both of Knightstown and Carla (husband, Bob) Lynch of New Palestine; his step-mother, Catherine Keesling of Knightstown; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a niece, Terry Keesling Gephart. Fred graduated from Knightstown High School in 1957. He retired from Ford Motor Company as a welder job setter, after 35 years of service. Mr. Keesling served in the U.S. Marine Corp and was stationed in the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan. He attended Blue River Wesleyan Church. Fred was a member of the American Legion and United Auto Workers Local No. 1111. Fred enjoyed fishing, bicycling with his grandchildren, gardening, working crossword puzzles and going to the beach. He was also an avid Colts and IU fan. He also leaves behind his pets, Gump and Jed. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at the funeral home, with Rev. Aaron Marshall officiating. Interment will be in Arlington East Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Blue River Wesleyan Church, 534 N 900 W, Arlington, Indiana 46104, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Neurology Department, 1481 W. 10th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46202 or Cancer Association of Shelby County, P.O. Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with the Keesling family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.