Keith V. Stout

Stout, Keith V.
Portage, MI Keith V. Stout passed Sunday Oct 27, 2013. He was born April 7, 1925, in Cedar Springs, Michigan, the son of Edith and Guy Stout. He joins his wife Ella, who passed in January 1981. Keith was born on the family farm in Cedar Springs, the youngest of seven children. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and served in the WWII Pacific Theater as a tail gunner and shooting instructor until the end of the war. Using the GI bill, Keith became the first member of his family to attend college Central Michigan University, receiving a BS in biology and history. He earned a master's degree from Western Michigan University after starting his career as an educator. Keith started as a teacher in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, soon becoming principal. In the mid-1950s, he joined the faculty of the Western Michigan University's education department as an extension officer for rural schools in southwestern Michigan. Keith spent most of his career in the Vicksburg Schools, first as principal of "Old Central", Sunset and Tobey elementary schools and then East Prairie Junior High now Vicksburg Middle School. One of his proudest achievements was introducing computers into the junior high in 1980. He retired in 1981, but came out of retirement for one last stint as a junior high principal in Galesburg. Keith was a long-time member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, and served as the president. A born handyman, Keith preferred to use the garage as a workshop than as a place to park his car. Together, he and Ella worked on household remodeling, furniture upholstery, art projects and, eventually built a house together, also enlisting their three children, who have taken those practical lessons into their own lives. Keith and Ella also served on the Portage Northern High School Band Board, as part of their support and encouragement of their children's involvement in music. Keith brought that enthusiasm to his grandchildren, trekking across the state to attend many of their Solo and Ensemble performances. Keith is survived by his children: Charles, Cheryl and Carol; and grandchildren: Corwin and Elliot Stout. He considered himself a part of the extended family of his eldest sister Bernice Morningstar and kept up with them in writing and attending annual family reunions. He is also survived by his favorite canine, Beau. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ella; parents Edith and Guy; brothers Lyle, Everett and Lloyd; sisters, Bernice, Pauline and Gertrude. His family, friends and colleagues will miss him dearly. He will live on in many ways in the hearts and mind of those who know him. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered at www.keithvstout.com .