Alan Lee Keith

Alan Lee Keith, age 66, passed away at his home in Hiwasse, AR, February 25, 2025. Alan was born on July 15, 1958 to Hurshel and Billie (Douglas) Keith, the fourth of their five children. He was preceded in death by his mom, his dad, and his brother-in-law, Gary Hutcheson. He is survived by his son, Andy (Rachel) Keith of Kennesaw, Georgia, two grandsons, Owen and Henry; and four siblings, Larry (Regina) Keith of Hiwasse, Paula (Chuck) Hutcheson-Chism of Bentonville, Sally (Carl) Bennett of Little Flock, and Betsy (Mike) Meek of Bella Vista; nephews, Paul Keith of Gravette, Brett Meek of Bentonville, and Brandon Meek of Gravette; nieces, Sherry Stalls of Bentonville, Christy Hutcheson-Slocum of Bella Vista, Ashley McKenzie of Hiwasse, numerous cousins and good friends.

Alan was a life-long resident of Hiwasse, never having lived in any other location. He passed away in the home in which he lived most of his life. He helped his dad and mom on the farm from teenage years, taking over the turkey production in his adult life. In his younger years he was a rodeo aficionado, breeding bulls to be used in bull riding. He loved to cut wood and build fires. Big fires! He also loved to set off dynamite and we had some close calls on the 4th of July. He could repair any equipment and on a turkey farm, there is always something to repair. He enjoyed visiting with friends and family, and whittling when he had time.

Dad finally got tired of loading us all in the back of the old pickup (gasp!) and taking us to the swimming hole, either at Buck Wiseman’s or White Bluff in Jane, MO, so he bulldozed out a lake for us (Larry’s Lake) on the west side of the farm. We spent many, many hours in the lake. It lasted until a Fayetteville resident showed up one day stating, “We heard you have a great swimming hole here.” According to Earnie Lawrence, that was an attractive nuisance and dad would be responsible for any accidents. Bulldozer took it out the next day. We all have fond memories of Lake Larry.

Alan owned and operated the Hiwasse Store for several years (now the Hiwasee Mercantile). The immediate family helped in that endeavor also.

Alan also took care of mom and dad in their senior years, along with the other four siblings. They all happened to be retired or between assignments when needed. Billie and Hurshel wanted for nothing, due to Alan living in and the other four coming in often. In this day and age, it is remarkable that they had all five children to help with their needs.

Visitation for Alan will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, in Hiwasee, on Monday, March 3rd from 10-10:30am with service immediately following, with Hank Killgore officiating.