William T. Keeton

William Theodore Keeton, 90, of Port Washington, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, at the Community Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia, following a time of declining health. Born December 18, 1933 in Wayland, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Theodore and Nina Lucy (Stephens) Keeton.

On May 19, 1951, Bill married the former Sallie Irene Horton with whom he enjoyed nearly 68 years of marriage until her passing on March 14, 2019. They were blessed with four children, Frances (Ronald Sr.) Adkins, Hunter T. (Rosemary G.) Keeton, Vickie (Mario) Ionno, and Nina (companion, Tom) Hawthorne; grandchildren, Dr. Ronald (Jan) Adkins II, Isaac (April) Keeton, Rachel (John) LaRussa, Jacob (Samantha) Keeton, Abraham (Heeja Ju) Keeton, Ezra Keeton, Giuseppe (fiancée, Jenna) Ionno, Michele Ionno, Giovanni (Stacy) Ionno, Bianca Ionno, Amanda (Leavy) Eudy, Melissa (companion, Erica) Hawthorne, and Mary (Steve) Campbell; great-grandchildren, Ronald III, Nathaniel, Elijah, Madison, Casey, Morgan, Sarah, Emily, Noah, Jude, Owen, Ramona, Matilda, Sofia, Gabe, Vincent, Adrianna, Raith, Braylen, Layla, Rosie, Alexavier, and Zandrue; and great-great-grandchildren, Ryan and Nathan – all of whom survive him – as well as a grandson, Rev. Ryan Adkins, who preceded him in death. Bill is also survived by his brothers, Clyde (Emily) Keeton, Ralph (Jacquelyn) Keeton, and Larry (Debbie) Keeton, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Claude, Charles, Jack, Bob, and Dan, and sisters, Elva, Alice, Maggie, and Margie, in addition to his parents, wife, and grandson.

Bill leaves behind a host of extended family members, dear friends, and neighbors to mourn his loss. Most of all, his family wish to extend their deepest gratitude to Margit and Mike Stewart who were so much more than neighbors to him. Over the years, they became like a son and daughter upon whom Bill could rely for every help and kindness imaginable, enabling him to remain living independently in his home until his final illness.

Bill retired in 1994 from Matlack Trucking having been a driver for 41 years, including 20 years as a hazardous materials carrier. At home, he loved woodworking and caring for his farm, including working with his mules, having had a mule throughout his life since the age of 12. He was a longtime member of the Church of Christ in Christian Union in Newcomerstown.

The Rev. Dr. Ronald Adkins, II. will officiate a noon funeral on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison with an hour of visitation from 11:00 a.m. to noon before the funeral. Bill will be interred beside his beloved wife in West Union Cemetery near Gilmore. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Newcomerstown Church of Christ in Christian Union and Community Hospice.