Jackie L. "Jack" Keyser

Jackie Lee Keyser took his final breath on earth on May 25, 2025, with his beloved wife of 64 years, Sandra Kay Fitterling Keyser, holding his hand.

Jack lived a life full of love, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief.

He was the proud patriarch of a family that includes daughters: Laura Jo (Eric) Morris and Christine Lee (David) Krull, son: Scott Allen (Karen) Keyser, 10 grandchildren: Stacey, Rebecca, Erica, Taylor, Ali, Zach, Jack, Evan, Zoe, and Olivia, and 8 great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Eleanor, Mara, Cara, Emelia, Elora, Collins, and Quinn - each of whom inherited a little bit of his stubborn streak, his luck, and a whole lot of his heart.

Jack loved to brag about his children and grandchildren. He often said his family had no lemons. He loved to follow their sports and academics and brag to everyone how lucky he was as if he had nothing to do with their skills and success.

When he wasn't in his garden or glued to a race on TV, Jack could be found in his shop surrounded by his card-playing, beer-drinking, breeze-blowing buddies. If only those shop walls could talk...

His family wants to say a special thank you to Rocky Bachman for being a steadfast friend to both Jack and Sandra.

Jack grew up on a farm in Bremen, born to Richard and Louise Keyser, where he learned early the value of hard work, fresh air, and getting his hands dirty.

Jack had 5 siblings - Warren, Wayne, Loretta, Jeanette, and Doris - and outlived them all. (He'd tell you with a wink and a smile he lived such a long, happy life because of good, clean livin'.)

Even after moving to Culver when he married Sandra, he never lost his love of digging in the dirt. His garden was his masterpiece - his tomatoes are legendary - and he tended it with the same care and determination he gave to everything in his life. He passed many of his gardening secrets on to his grandchildren.

Jack served his country in the National Guard.

He also spent 44 years working at Winamac Coil Spring and ran Keyser Machine Shop out of his garage so he and Sandra could send their kids to college and have a little extra to take their many trips to casinos.

He was a man you could bet on and taught us all to take a chance and scratch the lottery ticket - you might just get the job, the girl, the opportunity, the win.

Jack was a good man with a big heart and a quick smile. He loved a cold beer, a good story that got bigger each time, a roaring engine, and a family that made him prouder than any of the trophies that line the shelves of his shop.

He taught us how to work hard, love harder, and never take life too seriously. He always looked for the best in people and each scratch-off lottery ticket.

Raise a glass, tell a story, and remember Jack with a smile - he wouldn't have it any other way.

A time to gather with the family will be held at the Odom Funeral Home, Culver, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST with funeral service to begin at noon.

Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given in Jack's memory to the Finney-Shilling VFW Post 6919 of Culver or the Marshall Co. Humane Society.

The Odom Funeral Home, Culver, is caring for the family. Pilot News from May 29 to May 30, 2025.