Keith O. Oppel, 80, of Ramsey, Indiana, died Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany, Indiana.  He was born June 9, 1944, in Corydon, Indiana, to the late Omer and Audra L. Rowley Oppel. 

 

Keith was a graduate of North Central High School class of 1962, of Middle Tennessee State University class of 1967 and of Indiana University graduate school class of 1972.  He retired from North Harrison Community Schools in June 2007 after 40 years of teaching and many years of coaching, and 19 years as athletic director at North Harrison High School.  He was a former member of Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Association, Indiana Association of Track and Cross-Country Coaches and attended Old Capitol United Methodist Church near Corydon. 

 

He enjoyed NASCAR racing, Indy racing, IU football and basketball, Colts football, North Harrison High School basketball, traveling, collecting antiques and golfing.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 44 years, Naomi R. Pitman Oppel; and his brothers, Forrest “Buck” and Roger W. Oppel.

 

Survivors include his son, Brian K. Oppel (Mandy) of Salem, Indiana; his daughter, Carrie E. Oppel of Jeffersonville, Indiana; and his brother, Ray C. Oppel (Martha) of Salem. 

 

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Beanblossom-Cesar Funeral Home in Corydon.  Rev. Andy Hansen will officiate.  Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Corydon.

 

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday and after 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

 

Pallbearers will be Gregg, Scott, Darren and Christopher Oppel, Jason Pepmeier and Kevin Keltner.

 

The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be made to the Dr. Ken Oppel Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Harrison County Community Foundation, 1523 Foundation Way NE, Corydon, Indiana 47112 or at www.hccfindiana.org or Old Capitol Church Building Fund, 141 S. Heidelberg Road SW, Corydon, Indiana 47112.

 

The family would like to especially thank Carl Bussabarger for being a special friend and caregiver to Keith.