Verlas "Keith" Beatty, 88, died May 1, 2023 in Oklahoma City. 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 whod listen about their travels. His 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 he 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 Alzheimers 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. . Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Friday, May 05, 2023 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, OK 73008 Viewing will be Friday 12:00pm - 8:00pm with family present from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Funeral Service Messiah Lutheran Church Saturday, May 06, 2023 10:00 AM 3600 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112