Keith James Haddix, Sr.

Keith J. Haddix, Sr.

October 1, 1932 – January 14, 2025

Keith James Haddix, Sr. age 92 of Monroe, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 surrounded by family at his home under Hospice Care.

Born on October 1, 1932, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Keith was the third of nine children of the late Bud and Beatrice (Host) Haddix. Keith graduated from Monroe Catholic Central in 1951. He continued his education at Michigan State University and received his associate degree in agriculture. 

Keith met and married the love of his life: Catherine Gimik on June 21, 1952 at St. Anthony Church in Belleville. They raised a family of eight children and spent over 72 wonderful years together.

Keith first worked under his father at Haddix and Sons Farm Implement from 1950 to 1962. He was then a machine repairman for Dundee Cement Company for a few years before working for the Monroe County Drian Commission. In 1968, he built and opened a coin operated auto wash, called Flat Rock Car Wash. Over time he built a second location and was owner for 36 years before retiring in 2004.

After retirement, he bought his own personal light aircraft. Keith had been flying since he was 14, and always joked he received his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. He mainly flew as a passion but had at one point air transported organs for gift of life. In 2018, he received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the Federal Aviation Administration for over 50 years of safe flights. Keith continued flying up until the age of 82.

Keith was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He used to volunteer his time at the IHM Motherhouse, driving the sisters around places they needed to go. Besides flying, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, and deer hunting. Keith will be remembered for being the perfect dad to his kids and “gramps” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He attended all the sporting events and will be missed sitting in the stands. The family has continued the tradition and now has four generations of a Keith James Haddix to live up to his name’s sake. Keith was affectionately known as “Gramps” to everyone he met.  He will be deeply missed and cherished in the hearts of his loved ones.

Beloved husband of Catherine Haddix. Loving father of Keith (Laura) Haddix, Jr., Gary (Pam) Haddix, Bonnie (Steve) Krukowski, Karen (W. Darryl) Hauser, Tom (Jaqueline) Haddix, Glenn (Lorri) Haddix, Paul (Nicole) Haddix, and Steve (Carrie) Haddix. Dearest grandfather of 24 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. Dear brother of Patricia Kane, Sharon (Alan) Heiserman, Thomas (Barb) Haddix, June Staggs, and Sally (Terry) Norman.

In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by brothers: Jack and Bill Haddix, and sister: Shirley Frey.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home from 2-8 pm, with a rosary service at 6 pm. Funeral mass will be on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Divine Grace Parish- St. Joseph Church in Maybee. Keith will lie instate at 10 am with mass starting at 11 am. Officiating is Rev. Dr. Michael Woroniewicz. A private burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Keith are suggested to St. Mary Catholic Central.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.