Sept.
14, 1917 - Aug. 27, 2009SOUTH BEND - Surrounded by loving family, Keith completed his earthly journey on August 27, 2009, while residing at Morningside Nursing & Memory Center, South Bend, IN. We will celebrate his well-lived life during an 11:00 a.m. memorial service on Saturday, September 12, at Mishawaka First United Methodist Church (corner Third and Church). The family will receive guests the hour prior. Born to William Earl and Lyla Nelson Haslett on September 14, 1917, in Buchanan, MI, he graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1935 and served in the U.S. Army during WWII as a mechanical engineer. On July 30, 1942, he married Mary Jane Baker, who survives along with daughter, Karen Haslett Gurich; son, Phillip Nelson (Jackie) Haslett; grandchildren, Aaron (Reverie) Gurich, Phillip (Lana) Haslett, Kimberlee (Andrew) Freedlund; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Elizabeth Newburgh. Through his lifelong passion and gift for music, Keith played saxophone in high school band, and as a teen was pianist for an acclaimed community men's chorus of the Orpheus Club. He served as organist at East Methodist, Albright EUB, Broadway EUB/UMC churches spanning the 1930s into the late 1960s, and accompanied at Grace UM Church in Venice, FL, in later years. He played for many community events in Indiana and Florida, and had also directed the Broadway choir. He and Mary enjoyed their many travels through the years. Photography, woodworking, watercolor artistry, reading and golfing were among other favorite leisure activities. Keith worked at Dodge Mfg. Corp./Reliance in Mishawaka for 43 years as a draftsman in Engineering, Inspection and Quality Assurance, and Purchasing Departments. Memorial contributions may be made to Mishawaka First UMC, or to Broadway Christian Parish UMC, South Bend. To send condolences, please visit www.mcgannhay.com.