Keith Nesbitt

Richard Keith Nesbitt, age 92, passed away, one day short of his 93rd birthday, on Monday, September 9, 2024, Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville. Keith was born on Lisle Street in Kendallville, Indiana on September 10, 1931, to the late Clyde Richard Nesbitt and Mamie Helen (Enos) Nesbitt. He graduated from Kendallville High School in 1951. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955 during the Korean War.

He first married Mary Jane "Janie" Musselman in 1951 and she preceded him in death in 1959. He then married Chloeann Beauchamp in June of 1960 in Kendallville and she also preceded his death in 1997. Keith then married Doris Maxine (DePew) Magnuson on September 27, 1997, at First Christian Church in Kendallville. Keith was employed for 25 years with International Harvester in Fort Wayne. 

Keith loved everything about golf. Whether he was playing 18 right across Drake Road, greens keeping or teaching a new student of the game as the coach at Central Noble HS, he was in his happy place while on the course. During the busy floral holidays, you would find him in the shop helping out or driving the Chloe’s Florist iconic yellow van.

An avid dancer, Keith spent many evenings square and swing dancing with Doris, family and friends. He was always encouraging to beginning dancers and took the time to walk them through the squares.

At heart, he was a teacher. Known by his co-workers as Smoke, he and his brother Chuck would travel out of the way to enjoy a good breakfast spot. He never missed a chance to watch his children and grandchildren play sports or perform in choir, band and theatre. He was forever proud of all their accomplishments and their biggest cheerleader. He enjoyed watching Central Noble HS sports and seldom missed a major golf championship on TV.

A member of the Berean Baptist Church in Albion, Keith never met a stranger and was always ready to start up a conversation.

Survivors include:
Wife, Doris Nesbitt of Albion.
Son, Rick and Rory Nesbitt of San Diego, California.
Daughter, Teresa Nesbitt Frick (Chris Frick) of Fishers, Indiana. 
Stepson, Kirk and Tammy Magnuson of Albion.

Seven grandchildren: Corey Nesbitt-Campbell, Erin (Scott) Archer, Jared (Lindsey) Frick, Ashley Pelfrey, Austin (Andrea) Magnuson, Carey (Aaron) White and Jaimee (Kyle) Haber. 

Great grandchildren: Cole Haber, Keaton Haber, Chloeann Sprouse, Elaine Sprouse, Brooklyn White, Savannah White, Grayson Magnuson, Everly Magnuson, Noble Frick, Banks Frick, Easton Magnuson, Avery Archer and Braelyn Haber. 

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Mamie Nesbitt; wives, Janie and Chloeann; and daughter, Susan Marie Hicks.  

Funeral services with military honors will take place Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM prior to the service. There will be a luncheon served at Berean Baptist Church following the funeral service. Pastor Doug Keenan will officiate the funeral service. Burial will take place at a later date at Sweet Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to Berean Baptist Church. 

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