Robert Keeton, Jr.

Memorial services are 11 a.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Bruceton First United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends at Dilday-Carter Funeral Home on Friday,  4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday at Bruceton First United Methodist Church, 10 a..m until time of service at 11 a.m.

He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Robert T. Keeton and wife, Theresa Keeton and his sister, Dorothy M. Baker (Thomas W.).  He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Laura P. Keeton, and two children, Robert Taylor Keeton III and Laura Agnes Keeton, and a large extended family.

Robert Keeton was a preeminent attorney well known throughout the State of Tennessee and a mentor to many, but none more so than his two children, who were blessed to practice law with him for over 30 years.  Mr. Keeton graduated high school from Castle Heights Military Academy before earning a Bachelor’s degree from Memphis State University, and then entering the University of Tennessee School of Law.  He earned his Juris Doctorate Degree, passed the bar, and returned to Carroll County to practice with partner Jimmy Lee Taylor in 1962.

Mr. Keeton was admitted to all Courts in Tennessee, the Federal Courts in Tennessee, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.  He was a past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association (1981-82), a past president of the Tennessee County Attorneys Association (2001-02), inducted in 1987 as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a member of the Carroll County Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, American Bar Association, Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association, past member of American Association of Trial Attorneys, and was awarded the Huntingdon Pinnacle of Excellence Award.

Mr. Keeton has served many years as the attorney for the county of Carroll. He also served as the attorney for the Town of Huntingdon, the E-911 Board, the Carroll County Electric Department, and the Carroll County Watershed Authority.  He served for many years as the Town of Bruceton’s attorney and as the attorney for the School Board for the Hollow Rock-Bruceton Special School District.

Mr. Keeton was a member of the First Methodist Church in Bruceton.  He was proud to be a Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite, and a member of the Al Chymia Temple of the Shrine.  He was also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks and, in his younger days, an active member of the Lions Club. He supported all these organizations and more for the good works they do.

He loved to hunt, boat and camp with his family. He served as Boy Scout Troop Leader. He owned numerous dogs over his lifetime as well as owning and riding horses with both his parents and children.  He also raised cattle for many years.

He was a loving and giving family man and friend with a kind heart who put on a gruff exterior.  He will be greatly missed, as he was a true treasure to this community and our family.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Shriners Hospital, Bruceton First United Methodist Church, or the charity of their choice.

Dilday-Carter Funeral Home, Huntingdon, Tenn.