Joseph "Keith" Beaty, age 69 of Severn, Maryland and formerly of Elwood, died July 22, 2012 at his home after an extended illness. He was born September 7, 1942 in Elwood and was the son of Joseph L. and V. Lucille (Johnson) Beaty. He was a 1960 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood where he was involved in sports and especially band - where he was a member of the "Varsitonians". Keith was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He married Rita J. Hester on September 22, 1963. He graduated from Purdue University in 1965 with a Bachelor's degree in industrial management, and later received his Master's Degree from St. Mary's University while stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas. Keith retired in 1986 as a Major from the U.S. Air Force following 20 years of distinguished service to his country. During his career as an AF pilot, Keith was stationed at numerous bases around the world. During his tour in Vietnam he was stationed at Tan Son Nhut AFB and flew a 123 Tactical Airlift. Later, serving with SAC at Pease AFB, New Hampshire he piloted the KC 135 refueling tanker and was an instructor pilot of the TE38 and T39 transport aircrafts at Randolf AFB, Texas. His final tour of duty was at Dover AFB in Delaware as Aquisition Contracting/Manufacturing Officer. Keith received several awards and honors including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and the National Defense Service Medal.


Following his military career, Keith started a second career as a financial advisor with First Command Financial Planning for 20 years, and later retired from the company. While working at First Command he and his wife Rita were able to spend 7 years in Germany where he helped numerous military professionals become financially independent. During their time overseas, he and Rita were able to travel throughout Europe, and they had many fond memories of their travels and the wonderful friends and co-workers that made their time in Germany so special. Keith was also an investment and stock market enthusiast and enjoyed traveling, cooking and spending time with his family. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and grandfather. His grandchildren were the love of his life.


Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Rita J. (Hester) Beaty of Severn, MD; 2 children, Joseph A. (Becky) Beaty of Marion, VA and Lisa J. (Tim) NieKamp of Newark, DE; sister, Karen (Jim) Perkins of Franklin; 3 grandchildren, Will (Jess) Beaty, Sarah NieKamp, and Christian NieKamp; 3 step-grandchildren, Peyton Smith, Zach (Heather) Smith, and Ben (Autumn) Halsey; and several nieces and nephews including Rachelle (Deric) Vaught and Tyler (Sarah) Gesse, both formerly of Franklin. Keith was preceded in death by his parents.


Celebration of Life services will be conducted on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, 415 So. Anderson St. in Elwood with Rev. Josh Carney of the First Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Entombment will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation will be held Friday, July 27, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home and 1 hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the U.S. Military and the Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard teams. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vietnam Veteran's Fund through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.