Obituary

Keith Waddell
February 10, 1924 - December 16, 2017


HARRY KEITH WADDELL, AGE 93 and a resident of Franklinton, died early Saturday morning December 16, 2017 at his home. Keith was a native of Kansas and a former longtime resident of New Orleans where he served as vice-president of Federal Land Bank for 20 years before moving to Franklinton. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton where he was a member of the Merry Hearts and Senior Singers choir. Keith previously served as a Board member of Good Samaritan Living Center and was a member of the Franklinton Area Economic Development Foundation and the American Legion.
Keith was a proud United States Air Force veteran of World War II. He was a member of the 444th B Squadron 320th Bomber Group and flew the B-26 Midrange Bomber during the European theater, in which he flew to completion 67 missions, each one a very precarious situation from take-off to landing. Following General Patton’s liberation of the Dachau concentration camp, Keith flew in and helped evacuate wounded POWs and other service men to Paris.
Survived by: 3 Sons and Daughters in law: Steve and Jan Waddell, Gregg and Laurie Waddell, Douglas and Melanie Waddell all of Mandeville; Daughter: Kay Waddell of Franklinton; 10 Grandchildren and Spouses; 12 Great-grandchildren; Also numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Helen Louise Waddell, his parents Hugh Ambrose Waddell and Virgie Mae Coleman Waddell, brother Kenneth, sisters Rosalie and Louise.
Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Thursday December 21st from 10 am until 2 pm. A funeral service will be held at 2 pm Thursday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Paul Watts and Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Ellis Cemetery.