Charles "Sonny" Elsworth Keatts

Charles “Sonny” Elsworth Keatts, 81, of Indianapolis, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in Franciscan Health Hospital.  He was born on July 8, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late Charles Leonard and Ruth (Seamon) Keatts. 

Sonny graduated from Harry E. Wood High School, class of 1959 and worked for Ford Motor Company for 34 years prior to retirement in 2000.  He was a member of the Msgr. James M. Downey 3660 Knights of Columbus, followed NASCAR, I.U. games and watched Fox News.  One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and teaching them to swim in the family pool. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Geraldine “Gerri” (Dietrich) Keatts; daughters, Tresa (John) Henschen and Ruth (Randy) Price; siblings, Lane Keatts, Jackie Rosemeyer and Star (Rick) Ragsdale; grandchildren, Tera (Josh) Scott, J.R. (Ashley) Henschen, Tasha Henschen, Megan Price and Heather (Austen) Morris; and great-grandchildren, Taytum, Hunter, Rhett, Layla, Myles, Isabelle, Tinzleigh, Emery, Tucker and one baby girl on the way.  He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Bobbie, Cherrie, Ginny and John. 

Family and friends will gather on Sunday, October 1 from 2 to 6 p.m. in Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services, 1458 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 2 at 10 a.m. in St. Jude Catholic Church, 5353 McFarland Rd., with prayers being said at the funeral home prior to Mass at 9:30 a.m.  Entombment will follow services in Calvary Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions have been suggested to the American Heart Association or the Southside Animal Shelter.  Envelopes will be provided by the funeral home. 

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