Keith Smith

Connersville native Keith Smith, 75, died Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, at his residence with his family by his side.

Keith was born on July 25, 1950, to James W. and Helen Linn Smith. A 1969 graduate of Connersville High School, Keith was a Spartan from the beginning. On November 30, 1979, Keith married his love, the former Kathy Elliott, at her family home. For many years, Keith worked at Frigidaire (D&M) and after its closing was employed at Dieco Machine Shop. He eventually went to work at CRF First Choice in Connersville until his much-deserved retirement. In his spare time, Keith was an avid hunter and fisherman, but he lived for sports. He enjoyed playing softball, basketball and bowling. When he wasn’t playing sports, Keith could be found watching them on TV, especially IU basketball and the Pittsburg Steelers. In addition, he loved coaching girls’ softball. Keith was instrumental in starting a summer fast pitch league for the girls. He coached varsity softball at Connersville High School. However, his true love was coaching the “little girls” in the slow pitch and fast pitch recreation league. His guidance and love for the game, still impacts female athletes today. Keith’s sense of humor was one of a kind. He could brighten the room and lift everyone’s spirit with just a laugh, but no one made him smile more than his family. Keith will be greatly missed, and he will always be remembered as an amazing husband, father, and coach.

In addition to his loving wife of forty-six years: Kathy, Keith is survived by his daughters and their spouses: Keisha Smith-Dillow and Nathan, Jodi Hitchens and Trent; grandchildren: Austin Hitchens and Amanda, Sean Hitchens; Zack Dilk and Madi Reiley, Brooklyn Hitchens; brother: Dwight Smith and Annette; brother-in-law: James Snyder; many extended family members and a whole lot of friends.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Brooke Smith; son: Blake Smith; sister: Joan Snyder; sister and brother-in-law: Judy and Garrett Crumpton.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brighton Hospice for their loving care.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville. Friends and family may gather from 12:00 p.m., until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Keith’s honor.