Keith Cooper Smith

Keith Cooper Smith, 92, of Carmel, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018. He was born in Penetangauishene, Ontario, Canada on August 19, 1925, son of Wilfred K. and  Lilian Kathleen Cooper Smith.

The family, including sister Kathleen, emigrated to Peoria, IL by way of Niagara Falls, NY in 1931 where he grew up.

Keith attended Peoria schools and then Bradley Poly Tech for one year.  He joined the Army Air Corp where he taught advanced electronic systems for navigation and bombing systems.   He completed his Engineering degree at Bradley University where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

In 1951, Keith married the light of his life, Marilyn Ecklund.

During his career, Keith was employed by Honeywell in IL, worked for Phil Hedback of the Hedback Corp, and Indiana Gas Corp, of Indianapolis.  Through the years, he chaired Indiana as well as National Gas Association Technical Committees.

Keith served for seven years as a member of Board of Public Works, having served both Mayor Luger and Mayor Hudnut.  He also served on the Indianapolis Juvenile Center Advisory Board for three years for Judge James Payne.

Keith was an active member of the Lion’s Club and the WWII Round Table.  He also served as Club officer for the Pike Township Republic and was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Following retirement, Keith volunteered for five years with the USS Indianapolis Memorial Monument Commission. Keith continued as an Archivist and Correspondent for the group after the building of the monument on the Indianapolis Circle.

Because of his 21-book study of the circumstances surrounding the sinking and rescue of the USS Indianapolis CA-35, Keith was a part the research that gained the Captain’s exoneration from a court martial of the sinking ship.

In his later years, Keith especially enjoyed the Wednesday Bible Study Class at St Christopher Episcopal Church in Carmel, The World War II Round Table, and the meetings with the veterans of the Home Place WWII Museum.

In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn in 2017; son, Thomas in 2012; sisters, Kathleen and Ola Elaine.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 11 am in St Christopher Episcopal Church, 1402 West Main St , Carmel, followed by military honors.

In memory of Keith, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E 91st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240.  Envelopes will be available at the service.

Bussell Family Funerals in privileged to assist the family with arrangements.

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