Obituary of Frank W Keaton Sr ~ 2002

Transcribed by Joan S Dunn

Source: The Virginian-Pilot Aug 18 2002

On Aug. 14, 2002, Frank W. Keaton, Sr. was called home to glory. He was the
only child born to the late Jacob and Tamer Simmons on April 2, 1925, in 
Pamlico County, N.C.  Mr. Keaton was educated in the public schools of New 
Bern, N.C. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1946 after 
three years of service having attained the rank of sergeant. He was also a 
veteran of World War II.  ''Oil Man,'' as he was nicknamed by his co-workers, 
was employed by Johns Brothers Oil Co. for more than 30 years. Shortly 
thereafter, he became a longshoreman for the International Longshoreman 
Association, Local 1248, retiring from there in February 1992.  
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vivian Riddick Keaton; five 
daughters, Gwendolyn Keaton, Anner Keaton, Jacqueline Keaton, all of 
Norfolk, Ruby Downing of Madison, Ala., and Barbara Keaton; two sons, 
Garland Keaton Sr. of Copperas Cove, Texas and Reggie Keaton Sr. of 
Norfolk; two daughters-in-law, Karin Keaton of Copperas Cove and Diane 
Keaton of Norfolk; a son-in-law, E. Bernard Downing of Madison, Ala.; 10 
grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, 
nephews and friends. 
In addition to his parents, his son, Frank W. Keaton, Jr., predeceased him.  
A funeral will be held at noon Tuesday in Mount Zion Baptist Church, 
Berkley. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake. The family 
will receive relatives and friends at Metropolitan Funeral Service, Granby 
Street, from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday.





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