Keith Lamar George, 81, of Wakarusa, Ind., passed away at 8:25 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa after a short illness.

He was born Oct. 18, 1931 in Nappanee, Ind., to Herbert H. and Mabel (Ervin) George.  He married Kathryn Metheny on Sept. 1, 1964 in Elkhart, Ind. She preceded him in death.

He was a lifetime resident of the Wakarusa area. He attended Hepton Schools. Keith owned and operated Wakarusa Sawmill Inc. for 35 years, and after retirement, worked for Horizon Transport for 25 years. He was a member of the Wakarusa United Methodist Church and the Wakarusa Lions Club. He was also a member of the Elkhart Trotting and Pacing Association and the Elkhart Moose Lodge.

Surviving are daughters: Donna Kaye Clark, Janice (Alan) Davidhizar and Annette (Steve) Brown, Wakarusa; a son: Donnie Carl (Linda) Swanson, Chicago, Ill.; eight grandchildren: Derek Swanson, Heidi Jo (Ben) Wootten, Melissa K. (JR) Martin, Traci Davidhizar, Troy (Erica) Davidhizar, Nicholas (Steph) Brown, Nathan (Shyla) Brown and Neal Brown; nine great-grandchildren; and brothers: Billy and Ronnie George, both of Wakarusa.

He was preceded in death his brother Wayne George.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home in Wakarusa, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 22, at Wakarusa United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Reverend Ed Geleske. Burial will follow at South Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Wakarusa United Methodist Church or to the Wakarusa Lions Club.