Keith Whitmore Gerdes

Keith Whitmore Gerdes, 95, of Mulberry, Arkansas passed away, Monday, August 11, 2025 in Ozark. He was born April 17, 1930 in Beatrice, Nebraska to Albert G. and Florence E. Whitmore Gerdes. Keith was of the Methodist faith and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ozark. He was a design engineer for General Electric, designed and patented many items for the company. He won the General Electric appliance park volunteer of the year. He volunteered for Red Cross, the prison, and animal shelters. Was a member of Mensa international. In his spare time, Keith enjoyed photography, golf, traveling, and reading. He loved animals, especially dogs. He was an all-around top of line kind of man that learned about anything and everything there was to learn about. Keith is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Natalie Gerdes; one son, Gregory Gerdes; one brother; and two sisters. Keith is survived by his wife of 29 years, Sue Harmon McCain-Gerdes; one daughter, Anne Perryman and significant other Mike Jordan of Louisville, Kentucky; one son, Mike Gerdes and wife Sally of Mosely, Virginia; three bonus sons, Gordon “Mack” McCain and wife Lenora of Mulberry, Christopher McCain and wife Jeanette of Mulberry, and Jonathan McCain and wife Christine of Mulberry; one brother, Steven Gerdes and wife Linda of Montana; ten grandchildren and bonus grandchildren, Kelly Perryman, Ray Perryman, Alex Gerdes, Holly Lindberg, Presley Embrey, and Crayton McCain, Will McCain, Emmrie Foerster, Colin McCain, and Carter Glidewell; six great grandchildren, Jayse Perryman, Eli Gerdes, Declan Gerdes, Ainsley Gerdes, Natalie Lindberg, and Hank Lindberg; eleven bonus great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A family held memorial service will be 7:00 P.M., Thursday, August 14, 2025 at the Rehobeth Missionary Baptist Church, 3032 Wire Road Ozark, Arkansas, with Brother Terry Pickrell officiating. Cremation arrangements were made under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home in Ozark. Serving as pallbearers honorary pallbearers will be All that knew and loved Keith. To leave an online memorial visit www.shafferfuneralhomeweb.com

Keith Whitmore Gerdes

April 17, 1930 - August 11, 2025