Verlas "Keith" & Hazel Helen (Hinkle) Beatty

© Angie

Obit for Verlas posted by Jo Aguirre
Mar 19, 1935 - May 1, 2023

Mercer-Adams Funeral Service
Bethany, OK
(permission granted)

He was born in Oklahoma City on March 19, 1935 to Leroy and Cola Mae Beatty. He attended Central High School and received his BA in business administration from Central State University in Edmond, OK a year before his son, Kenneth, graduated from the same university. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Keith attempted retirement from Tinker AFB in 1992 but was wrangled back into staying on as a Logistics Supervisor until 1998 A hard-working man through and through, he took immense pride in his work and his involvement with the B2 bomber was the pinnacle of his hard-earned career . Keith married the love of his life, Hazel Helen Hinkle, in 1953 and they were together for 63 years before her passing in 2016 They shared many adventures, hitting the road to parts unknown and telling everyone who’d listen about their travels H is selfless devotion to her never wavered and he took care of her from the day they met until the very end. A member of the Hot Rod Association, he sure loved tinkering on old cars, with 1941 red Ford convertible that he rebuilt himself being his pride and joy. His buddies kept pushing him to enter it in the Southwest Street Rod Nationals and when h e begrudgingly spent the $25 entry fee he won a 350 cubic inch engine in a drawing. Definitely worth the investment ! He was also a pretty lucky guy when he let Helen drag him out to the casino!!! Keith enjoyed being out in nature, hunting and fishing and you could always find him junking on Saturdays as well as making the rounds at local garage sales. Keith took care of everyone . The quintessential patriarch , he was always there for his family and friends. He was the constant who was always there ready to help out when someone was in need . A kind, sweet and sometimes silly man to his grandkids and great grandkids; his love for them was exemplified by his penchant for showing up to every event at least an hour early To say he loved being with his family is an understatement of the highest magnitude. He and Helen were longtime members of Messiah Lutheran Church.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen Hazel Beatty; 3 brothers, Cleveland, Bill, and Kenneth; and 1 sister, Imogene Gallegly.

Survivors include his son, Ken Beatty and wife Page of Norman, OK; daughter, Helen Rice and husband Dale of Oklahoma City; 5 grandchildren, Adam, Daniel, Haydn, Nikki, and Amanda; 12 great-grandchildren, Mariha, Trey, Ethan, Nathan, Emily, Logan, Tilton, Huckleberry, Hazel, Cooper, Archer and Barrett; and 1 great-great-grandchild, Juniper; and numerous extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’ s Association OKC at alz.org.

Viewing will be Friday, 12-8pm, with family present from 5-7pm at Mercer-Adams.

Services will be Saturday, May 6, 10:00am at Messiah Lutheran Church with interment in Yukon Cemetery.

Thank You For Your Service!

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Obit for Helen posted by Jo Aguirre
Feb 28, 1937 - Oct 16, 2016

Mercer-Adams Funeral Service
Bethany, OK
(permission granted)

She was born February 28, 1937 in Calumet, OK to William Rockie and Agnes Elizabeth (Dillon) Hinkle. Helen worked for the State of Oklahoma where she retired after 22 years. She was a longtime member of Messiah Lutheran Church. Helen was famous for her fruit salad and the love she shared with others.

She reunites with her mom, dad, 2 brothers, Keith’s parents along with brothers-in-law, and many friends.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Keith Beatty; 2 children, Ken Beatty and wife Page, Helen Belvin; 5 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be Wednesday, 9am-9pm, with family present from 5-7pm at Mercer-Adams, Bethany.

Services will be Thursday, October 20, 10:00am at Messiah Lutheran Church, N.W. Expressway and Portland.

Burial will be in Yukon Cemetery.