Keith Don Pontius

Keith Don Pontius, age 89, of Crossville, Tennessee, passed away on January 29, 2023, at Cumberland Medical Center.

Keith was born June 16, 1933 in Canton, Ohio, son of the late Henry Pontius and Lottie (Kinsley) Pontius. He grew up in Hartville, Ohio.  Keith graduated from Lake Township High School in 1951 and Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana in 1955.

Keith spent his career working in the folding box industry.  He spent thirty years working in the family business, J. G. Clark Company, advancing to role of President.  The remainder of his career he owned and operated KP Packaging with a major emphasis in the dairy industry.

Keith had a passion for community service. He was a member of Lions International for 67 years serving in many capacities and receiving multiple recognitions.  He served as a Lions District Governor in both Ohio and Tennessee. Keith served on the Board of Trustees at Manchester College and Church of the Brethren, President Fairfield Glade Homeowners Association, President Chamber of Commerce Morrow County in Ohio, and volunteered at Habitat for Humanity.  He was a member of Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church since relocating to Tennessee.

Keith also loved to travel.  He traveled to over 40 countries, saw all 7 continents, and visited 49 of the 50 states-missing only North Dakota.

Keith is survived by his wife, Carol Papo Pontius; children, Jeff (Ivonne) Pontius of Clearwater, FL, Dean (Ginny) Pontius of Sewickley, PA, Brenda (Rich) Stanton of London, OH, Laurie (Tom) Fitzpatrick of Christiana, TN; 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Keith is preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years, Joan Clark Pontius, 10 brothers and sisters, and one great grandson.

A Memorial Service will be held at Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church on Friday, June 16 (Keith’s 90 ^th birthday), 2023 at 1:00 PM.  Interment will be at a later date at Mount Peace Cemetery, Hartville, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tennessee Lions Charities, 505 Fesslers Lane, Nashville, TN  37210-2814.

Arrangements and Care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.