[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN KEACH, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, John Keach Sr. Led a Consequential Life.
  John Keach Sr. was many things. He was a husband, father, grandfather 
and great-grandfather. But I rise because John Keach Sr. led a 
consequential life and by his actions he left this community and this 
state better for having been here.
  The life of John Keach, Sr. has been marked by accomplishments over 
decades that have brought about a greater quality of life to Columbus 
and the surrounding areas. Though he will be missed by his family and 
friends, John will long be remembered for his tremendous impact.
  A native of Seymour, Indiana, John was born to Glenn and Lucile 
Kessler Keach on July 7, 1927. Before serving in the United States Navy 
during World War II, John graduated from Shields High School. In 1950, 
John graduated a Bulldog from Butler University and then married his 
beloved Elaine. After working under his father as a teller at the Home 
Federal Savings and Loan Association in Seymour, John and Elaine moved 
from Seymour to Columbus where John helped develop the Columbus branch 
of the Home Federal Savings and Loan Association.
  John held many positions at what is now known as the Indiana Bank and 
Trust Company, serving as a teller, branch manager, president, CEO, 
Chairman of the Board, and Chairman Emeritus. John also held positions 
in the Indiana League of Savings Institutions, the Federal Home Loan 
Bank of Indianapolis, and the Family Financial Life Insurance Company.
  Outside of his business ventures, John sought to make Columbus and 
Bartholomew County a better place to live, and his efforts are felt to 
this day. John was a member of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce 
and received the Distinguished Service Award in 1960 and the Community 
Service Award in 1969. John also served as a Trustee and President of 
the Bartholomew County Library and played a crucial role in the 
development of the Cleo Rogers Memorial County Library.
  John served on the Bartholomew County United Way, the Columbus 
Economic Development Board, the St. Columba Catholic Church Council, 
the Columbus Elks Lodge #521, the Knights of Columbus and the Columbus 
American Legion Post #24, among others.
  Blessed with a loving family, John is survived by his wife of 62 
years, Elaine, their four children, eight grandchildren and six great-
grandchildren, as well as his sister Kathe Caplinger.
  It is written, ``the Lord is close to the brokenhearted,'' and that 
will be our prayer for his beloved wife, family and all those who mourn 
the passing of John Keach, Sr.
  The people of Columbus have lost a true giant from our community and 
our family has lost a friend. The life of John Keach, Sr. has come to 
an end but his legacy of leadership and character will endure and 
inspire for generations to come.

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