Robert Joe Keaton

Robert Joe (Bob) Keaton, 88 and a longtime resident of Beckley, passed away peacefully surrounded by members of his loving family on December 30, 2011, at The Oaks of Brevard in Brevard, NC. He had resided there since December 2010 because of declining health.

Born Robert Roscoe Meador on July 18, 1923, to George Meador and Ollie (Pack) Meador in True, WV, he was the youngest of 8 children. When his mother died in childbirth a few years later, his father arranged for him to be adopted by Joe Golden Keaton and Alice Minerva (Wills) Keaton who changed his name to Robert Joe Keaton. Bob grew up with his step sister Rose (Wills) Garrett in Beaver, WV and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School.

As a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Bob was stationed in Panama during World War II and was active in the National Guard afterwards. He married Veronica Mary Droppleman in Beckley on January 15, 1949, and they had four daughters: Patricia Shea of Boulder, CO; Dr. Barbara Keaton of Oakdale, PA; Dr. Nancy Keaton of Fletcher, NC; and Catherine “Katie” Brasted of New Orleans, LA.

Bob, a graduate of Concord College, retired from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services where he was a counselor. He was very active in his church, St. Francis de Sales, where he sang in the choir and participated in the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered for many years at the VA and the Shepherd Center. He authored two books of poetry, Verses from the Heart (1995) and Butterflies and Other Poems (2003), with poems dedicated to many friends and relatives along with others commemorating special occasions.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who always had a ready smile and a hug for each member of his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed entertaining his grandchildren with funny songs and fancy dance steps. He will be loved forever and sorely missed by all.

Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, his four daughters, and nine grandchildren: Christy L. Coleman (Los Angeles); Lesley E. Coleman (New York City); Claire K. Shea (London, UK); Megan F. Shea (Boston); Erika L. Risovich (Morgantown); F. Alexander Risovich (Weirton); and Joshua K. Brasted, Chelsea A. Brasted, and Hayley M. Brasted of New Orleans. He is also survived by a great granddaughter, Chancery Morris (Morgantown) and three sons-in-law: Daniel F. Shea (Boulder, CO), Dr. Michael D. Weaver (Fletcher, NC), and Dr. William S. Brasted (New Orleans, LA).

Visitation will be held at Calfee Funeral Home on Monday, January 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. where a scripture prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. led by Rev. Mr. Don Wise. A funeral liturgy will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Tuesday, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Michael Lecias officiating. A rite of committal will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Michael Weaver, Mr. Daniel Shea, Dr. William Brasted,
Mr.Joshua Brasted, Mr. Jesus Banuelos, Mr. Tony Tipane.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations of sympathy be made in his memory to St. Francis de Sales School, 622 South Oakwood Ave, Beckley, WV 25801.

On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.