Robert L. “Bob” Keaton, Sr., 80, Morristown, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2016, at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield. He was born November 30, 1935, in Shelby County, the son of Wilbur L. and Elisabeth (Brown) Keaton.
He graduated from Morristown High School in 1953, and the next year, on December 26, 1954, he married Reba Kimery. They were married over 61 years and enjoyed most of their time together.
Bob retired with 30 years of service from General Motors in 1986 which left plenty of time for taking his bride shopping at Walmart, stopping at Jack’s Donuts for donuts and coffee, supporting Morristown High School athletics as a season-ticket holder, spending time with his grandchildren, feeding birds, and reading.
He was a member of the National Rifle Association and United Auto Workers. He loved watching baseball and bragging on his grandsons serving in the military. Bob was well known for being ornery, making people laugh, and generously supporting people and causes close to his heart. If you needed help, he would be there to serve you and tease you simultaneously. His final act of generosity was being a donor through the Indiana Donor Network. He would be proud and tickled to know he was able to donate his humerus bone to someone in need of a little cheering up.
Bob was a member of Gwynneville Christian Church and proudly worked with God’s Army. Sunday his Commander-in-Chief called him home and he went bravely.
Bob is survived by his wife; as well as four children, Robert L. (Patti) Keaton, Jr. of Stokesdale, N.C., Ruth (Rick) Ritter of Indianapolis, Roy N. “Nick” (Pam) Keaton and Rhonda (Kevin) Zike, both of Morristown. He is also survived by his sister, Sue Keaton of Morristown, ten grandchildren, Allison, Nathan, Amy, Mary, Melissa, Ricky, Ben, Erin, Jarrett, Katon, and Steven; ten great-grandchildren; and two nephews, Larry C. “Chuck” (Rhonda) Smith of Morristown and Terry (Lisa) Smith of Shelbyville.
He is preceded in death by his parents and great-granddaughter, Isabella Hills.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 3, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Frazier Chapel, 124 E. North St. in Morristown. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, August 4, at the funeral home, with Jim Coyle officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gwynneville Christian Church, in care of the funeral home.
Bob’s family would love for you to share your stories, memories, the nickname he had for you, and condolences at freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
