Freestone County, Texas
Obituaries



Virgil Keeton, Sr.
(October 17, 1920 to September 12, 2013)

Virgil Keeton, Sr. was born on October 17, 1920 in the Titus Farm (Brown's Creek) 
Community, Fairfield, Freestone County, Texas, where he grew up on a farm. He 
was the fourth, son of Eva Titus and her husband, Benjamin Harrison Keeton, who 
provided him with a wholesome and loving Christian home.

He grew up on the farm during "The Great Depression" era and attended Hope Well 
Methodist Church where he participated in Sunday School, the Epsworth League, 
worship services and other special observances and activities.

His education was begun in Titus Farm Grammar School, a one-teacher, one-room 
school that was in session only six months out of a year. He mastered the 
curriculum and was salutatorian of his class. After graduating from Titus Farm 
School in 1935, he enrolled in Lincoln High School in Palestine. He graduated 
with the Lincoln High School Class of 1940, and enrolled in the Houston Branch 
of Tyler Barber College. Mr. Keeton passed the Texas State Board Barber's 
Examination with a perfect score of 98%. He worked as a barber in The Palace 
Barber Shop, Ft. Worth until he was called to the armed forces during World War, 
II.

Virgil received his army boot training in Ft. McClellan, Alabama and served in 
the infantry in Camp Wolters, Texas and as a medic in Camp Robinson, Arkansas. 

Mr. Keeton saw combat service in the Mediterranean and European Theaters, Italy 
and France respectively. His highest rank was Tec. 5, and was awarded the American 
Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, two Bronze Stars, 
and a Medical Badge.

On August 18, 1946, Virgil married his sweetheart, Jewel J. Perry Keeton and 
continued his education in the area of Funeral Service while living in 
Philadelphia. He and his new bride decided that Virgil would study agriculture 
through a federal program. They bought acres of land that had been owned by his 
grandfather, Henry Titus and began to farm.

Mr. Keeton held membership in Hope Well United Methodist, and Jones Chapel United 
Methodist Churches. He has held the following positions in the church: Sunday 
School Superintendent, Trustee, Charge Lay Leader, Administrative Board 
Chairperson, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Finance Committee and a 
Financial Group Leader.

He was a mason and has served as secretary for 50 plus years of Blazing Star 
Lodge #363.

Gardening was his passion. He was known and respected for his ability to raise 
enormous amounts of vegetables and fruits, using only an eye hoe as his main 
tool. He delighted in sharing his produce with friends and neighbors.

Survived By:
Virgil Keeton, Jr., Son
Stanley Keeton, Son
Tony Keeton, Son
Andre Keeton, Son
Sandra Keeton, Daughter
Sonya Keeton Murphy and husband Danny, Daughter

Chris Keeton, Courtney Keeton, Colby Keeton, Kamaryn Keeton, Brilyence Keeton, 
Shontell Murphy, Shonease Murphy and Shoniya Murphy, Grandchildren

Sherman Perry and Berdine Perry, Cousins that were like a brother and sister
and A host of other relatives and friends

Preceded in Death By:
Benjamin Harrison Keeton, Father
Eva Titus Keeton, Mother
Jewell Juanita Keeton, Spouse