Earl Eugene "Gene" Keith

Earl Eugene Keith, known as Gene his entire life, was born on June 20, 1927, at Bethlehem, in Wayne County Iowa to Harry Lewis and Mabel LeRena (Wardlow) Keith. He went to Alma Clagg school in Norwood Iowa, and he lived around Chariton Iowa all his life.

On July 23, 1946, Gene went to the recruiting center in Des Moines, Iowa and signed with the Army. In April of 1947, he was honorably discharged from the Army as Gene found out that the left leg was shorter than the right leg, so they gave him a choice of medical discharge or honorable one. During his time in the service, he was shot in the left side of his rib cage and left shoulder. Gene was one of the oldest living WW2 veteran.

In 1952, Gene married the love of his life and best friend, Ruth Darlene Hatfield. To this union six children were born, Gary, Carrol, Sharon, Terry, Rose and Robin. Until retirement, he worked for the city of Chariton as a street foreman for construction. Ruth and Gene raised their family in town of Chariton, 1970-2011 they moved and lived on the farm. Many years of living on the farm, he started a peach orchard with seeds, always had a beautiful garden for fresh and canned food for his family. Gene even took up raising bees, there was not a lot that he could not do. He loved to collect old things, especially clocks, Gene bought his first clock when he was 16 years old. He would get old clocks and furniture, and he would fix and refinish them like new. His children remembered him being the best cook and baker, the potato salad was his favorite to make and if you did not make it his way it was not the right way.

After retirement, Gene kept himself busy with all his hobbies. But it was especially important to him to spend quality time with his family and friends. He was one of the most interesting men in the world. He was a builder, a teacher, Gene was a man a many talent. He enjoyed setting flag poles up for friends and family members. He never met a stranger and would lend a hand when called upon. He loved nature, Gene went hunting, looking for mushrooms, planted gardens and fished. His children remember a couple of years ago he was fishing and fell into the lake, calling out for help. This couple came to help and wanted to take him to the hospital. But no Gene was not having it, once he got out of the water he went home and called it a day.

Gene left this earthly realm peacefully passed away, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after living a long productive life at age 98 ½ years old. After a brief illness due to falling and breaking his pelvic. His son Terry stayed with Gene making sure he was comfortable and warm. It was time for him to go with the security of his son by his side he was ready, God called him home. Dad was a tough old bird, and he had strong will to live. He taught us kids to make sure to maintain our health and keep active to maintain our strength.

He is survived by his children, Sharon Dingeman from Des Moines, Terry Keith from Alden , Rose (Denis) June from Alden and Robin Keith from Chariton, 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, son-in-law Paul Thompson and several family and friends that will miss him greatly.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mabel Keith, his wife Ruth, his children, Gary Keith and Carrol Thompson, his siblings, Rollie, Donnie and Larry Keith.

Family support and was directed by: Clark Fielding of Fielding Funeral Home.