Keith Michael Esch

RICHMOND, Ind. – Keith Michael Esch, age 83, of Richmond, Indiana, died Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at Reid hospital. Born April 3, 1934, in Pigeon, Huron County, Michigan, to Jacob and Barbara Zehr Esch, Keith lived in this community since 1969. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Keith served his country as a conscientious objector, doing alternative service in Michigan. He earned a master’s degree from Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, one of the early graduates of the seminary. Keith was a school teacher in Michigan and Pennsylvania and a pastor of congregations in Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. He retired in 1993 from Earlham School of Religion after 24 years of service. Keith was an active member of West Richmond Friends Meeting and Indiana Yearly Meeting and served on the Earlham College Board of Trustees. Keith Esch enjoyed traveling. He planned to return to the Arizona desert this spring. Keith also enjoyed many music genres and delighted in sharing Spotify finds with friends and family. Most of all, he was a “people person”. Whether meeting up each Thursday for breakfast or engaging fellow travelers, Keith never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Virginia Anne Weaver Esch, who died on November 9, 2015; parents, Jacob and Barbara; and sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Ira Zook. Survivors include his son, Brian K. Esch of South Bend, Indiana; daughter, Brenda Esch of Wilmington, North Carolina; grandchildren, Anna Rose Boggess, Ryland Grant Boggess, and Jakob Thomas Esch; siblings, Barbara (Harold) Shisler of Pennsylvania and Janet (Don Firmani) Zehr-Esch, Clair (Eugenia) Esch, and Ruth (Robert) Crossgrove, all of Maryland; nieces; nephews; cousins; beloved partner, Cindi Goslee; and many longtime friends. A memorial service for Keith will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 3, 2018, at West Richmond Friends Meeting, 609 West Main Street, Richmond. Officiants will be David Bills (NC) and Stephanie Crumley-Effinger. Memorial contributions may be made to: Friends Fellowship Community, Endowment for Friends Ministers, 2030 Chester Blvd., Richmond, IN 47374 or Earlham School of Religion, 228 College Avenue, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Keith Michael Esch

April 3, 1934 - December 27, 2017