Keith E. Stephens of Wauchula, Florida entered Heaven at 4:46 a.m. on Aug. 5, 2026.
Keith was born Oct. 14, 1934, the son of Austin and Lucille Stull Stephens. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1952 and joined the Indiana National Guard, Corporal Battery “A”, 139th field artillery battalion for six years.
He married Betty Kerns on Oct. 30, 1956. They had two daughters, Demerius Claudette (Tuvy/Riddle) and Diatrah Caye Stephens.
Keith was employed for many years as a salesman with Taurus Food Company of Indianapolis. He enjoyed his job and was loved by many of his customers. He was an auctioneer for several years and also auctioneered with John Sayler in and around Indiana.
After retirement, he and Betty moved to Wauchula, Florida. He served as Deacon at the First Christian Church of Wauchula and worked in the church in various capacities over the years. He was known as a man of great integrity. His favorite activities were reading, walking a good portion of the Appalachian Trail and sitting on the front porch, coffee cup in hand, watching the squirrels and birds at his bird feeder and visiting with neighbors that passed by.
Survivors include daughter Demerius “Dee” Turvy/Riddle of Ohio; sister Diane Stephens Burget of Wauchula, Florida; granddaughter Patricia Hodges of White Deer, Texas; grandson Paul Piccione of Billings, Montana; and great-granddaughter Carly Couch and great-grandson Colton Couch of Stinnett, Texas.
He is preceded in death by his wife Betty; his parents; daughter Diatrah Stephens; and brother Dean Stephens.
Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Aug. 12 at Waynetown Masonic Cemetery.
Hunt & Son Funeral Home and Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home are handling the arrangements.
