James Edward Keaton

James Edward Keaton Sr., 86, passed away at his residence the morning of June 20, 2015. He was a native of Bogalusa, La and has been a resident of Baton Rouge for the past 51 years. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and known by many as Coach. He was drafted into the Army in 1953 where he served as a Staff Sergeant. While in the military he played football as well as assistant coached for the post team. His true passion was football, and in his career he coached 39 consecutive football seasons in Louisiana high schools, including the Baton Rouge High School 1964 State Championship team. In 1971, he was awarded Coach of the Year and coached the Lee High School team to a District Championship. He also coached the All Stars team in 1990. He was a member of the Southeastern University Players Association, and in 2005 worked with other members of the association to successfully re-establish the football program at Southeastern University. He was the Black Knight Honorary Coach for the US Army Redstick Bowl in 2007, and his most recent accomplishment was being inducted into the Baton Rouge High School Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed walking and playing golf when he had the chance. He was a member of the Jefferson United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where he held several church positions. He was a very caring man and all of those he encountered throughout his journey held a place in his heart. He had a huge impact on many men’s lives throughout his career, and still could name most of them until he fell ill in 2015. He will be dearly missed by all. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara C. Keaton, as well as his 4 children, Mary Ann Spencer Bernhard of Baton Rouge, Laurie Keaton Poupart and husband Tim of New Orleans, James Edward Keaton Jr. and wife Carol of Tampa, and Karen Keaton Richard and husband Glenn of Baton Rouge. His siblings Earline Garlotte and husband Norman of Mobile, Jo Ann Phillips and husband Bill of Pensacola, Harry Keaton of Bogalusa and Katherine Shirley of Arkansas. His grandchildren, Darby Haynes Stewart and husband Jonathan of Baton Rouge and Karol Keaton Shepherd and husband Jon of Tampa; and his 2 great grandchildren Jon Shepherd Jr. and Emery Stewart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gorman P. Keaton and Clara Pounds Keaton, and his brother Gary Keaton. The family would also like to thank his care givers for their services over the past few months; he loved and appreciated all of you: Melissa Mistretta, Elsie McLean, Jennifer Pearson, Cortanna Beecham, Tracy Smith, Deloris Yelder, Tralongna Ventress, Melanie Jackson, Adrian Glasper, Ceaira Jones, Cherry Brown, and Chrissy Patin. Visitation will be held June 23, 2015 from 5pm to 8pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815. Funeral services will be held on June 24, 2015 at 10 am at Jefferson United Methodist Church, 10328 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 and will be followed by burial services at Greenoaks Memorial Park. There will be a reception following the burial at Greenoaks Reception Center.