Keith Stephan Scudder, age 76, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away May 5, 2021, in Wildwood, Florida.
He was born February 11, 1945, in Shelbyville, Indiana, and was the son of Keneth Scudder and Marian Joy (Bass) Hobbs.
Keith graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1963, and attended Midway College in Kentucky, to work on a business degree. He was a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army, and a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a helicopter pilot with the 1st Aviation Brigade, 121st Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), at Soc Trang, Vietnam 1969-1970. He received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Air Medal. He was a former member of the Indiana National Guard, 38th Combat Aviation Brigade, Shelbyville, Indiana. He was a life member of the 121st Aviation Association and a member of the Army Aviation Association. He suffered health issues from exposure to the defoliant “Agent Orange” in Vietnam.
He loved flying, and held a FAA Private, Commercial and Instrumental pilot ratings in both helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, and fixed wing multi-engine rating. He formerly owned and operated Central Indiana Aircraft sales based at the Shelbyville Airport. He previously had owned and operated his own construction business and carpet store in Shelbyville. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, golfing and camping. Keith and his wife Linda drove their motorhome across the United States, Alaska, Canada and Nova Scotia.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents; and former wives, Sheryl L. (Shepple) Scudder and Geraldine H. (Britt) Scudder.
He is survived by his wife, Linda H. (Madden) Scudder of Lexington, Kentucky; step-father, George W. Hobbs; and brother, Glen W. Hobbs and wife, Tina. He is also survived by his children, Robin J. Bandy and husband, Robert, of Greenwood, Lea Ann Pittman and husband, Gene, of Indianapolis, Traci Dawn Mahley and husband, Jeff, of Flat Rock, and Scott Scudder and wife, Lori, of Waldron; step-children, Gina L. Carlton and husband, Glendon, and Joe Madden and wife, Anne, both of Lexington; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Pastor Brent Rowe officiating.
Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or the donor’s choice of charity.
Online condolences may be shared with Keith’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
