Keith Smith to be Honored at the 2012 Great Darke County Fair

At their monthly meeting held September 7, 2011, the Board of Directors for the Darke County Agricultural Society unanimously voted to have Board Member Keith Smith serve as Parade Marshal for the 2012 Great Darke County Fair that will run August 17 – 25. It is with deep regret and sadness that the Board will now have to honor and recognize Keith posthumously.

Keith became a member of the Board of Directors on December 6, 2000 when he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Mike Rhoades through August of 2001.

During his 11-year tenure as a Director, Keith participated on the following committees: Beef Cattle; Draft Horse, Mule & Donkey; Grange; Swine; 4-H & Junior Fair; Grandstand Ticket Takers & Ushers; Dogs; Poultry & Water Fowl; Rabbits; Tractor Pull; Sanitation; Transportation; Cheerleading Contest; Motocross Motorcycle Racing; Speed; Audit & Budget; Rates; Ushers; Veterans; Executive & Legal; Southend Camping; Youth Building; Parking; Senior Citizens; Livestock Sale Committee; Gazebo; Rodeo; Awards; Capital Improvements; Promotional Advertising; Special Attractions and Tug-A-Truck. Keith also held the office of Treasurer in 2003 and Vice President in 2004 and 2005.
After an 11-month battle with brain cancer, Keith was 54 when he passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at the Clare Bridge Cottage at Sterling House in Greenville. Keith was born November 3, 1956 in Greenville, son of Don and Marilyn Smith. A Veteran of the US Army, Keith was a 1975 graduate of Greenville High School. Keith had owned and operated Keith's Service and Towing and The Don's Pizza. Keith was also a former member of the Greenville City Council, a member of the Darke County Fish and Game Club, the American Legion Post 140, Masonic Lodge #143, Scottish Rite, and the Darke County Shrine Club.

Keith is survived by his wife, Laura (Clevenger) Smith; a daughter, Misty White of Greenville; a grandson, Isaac White; a step son, Levi Stump of Greenville; and brothers, Larry, Lonnie, and Kenny.

Keith will be remembered at the ribbon cutting to open the 156th Fair at 8am on Friday, August 17, 2012 and will also be honored during the annual Parade of Champions event taking place in front of the Grandstand on Thursday, August 23, 2012 beginning at 10am.

Additional information regarding Keith will be printed in the 2012 Great Darke County Fair Premium Book that will be available to the general public in late May or early June.