Reverend Ira Keithley

Reverend Ira Keithley, 89, of Republic passed away April 15, 2021. He was born on Feb. 18, 1932 to Huston and Harriett (Graves) Keithley in Clever.
Keithley enlisted in the US Army on Sept. 25, 1952 and honorably served until July 16, 1954. He served as Sergeant of Transportation in the Korean War, delivering supplies to the front line.
After he returned from active duty, he married Elsie Wishon on Jan. 8, 1955. This union was blessed with three children, Bob, Ramona and Roxie. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was ordained as a minister on Sept. 9, 1962. He devoted his life to serving God. He pastored several churches in the area.
He is survived by his children, Bob (Susie) Keithley of Elsberry, Ramona (Tim) Hutcheson of Clever and Roxie Burrell of Aurora; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild as well as other extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years and his parents.
A visitation is scheduled for Monday, April 26, 2021 from 5–7 p.m. in the chapel at Meadors Funeral Home in Clever. A private burial will be at Union Ridge Cemetery.