Michael Charles Keating

Michael Charles Keating, age 69, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, November 5th. He was born in Evansville to Robert and Rosie Keating and was the older of two brothers. He was raised catholic and attended Christ the King. Mike, being a tall drink of water, started playing basketball at an early age where he perfected the art of fouling due to his less than impressive speed and jumping ability. Mike graduated from Memorial High School and played on many great teams, seeing the end of most games from the bench having fouled out. He went on to college at Wabash and, despite his fraternity brothers’ best efforts, graduated summa cum laude, eventually receiving his JD from Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis. Mike had a distinguished career as a litigator, arguing cases in local, state, and Federal courts, even appearing in front of the Supreme Court of the United States. Mike was sometimes pegged as grouchy, yet everyone who knew him either loved him dearly or was baffled by his ability to be so well-liked. He spent a lifetime gathering friends, mainly attorneys. And of those attorney friends, he was always drawn to the most colorful of them, introducing them, for better or worse, to his impressionable young family. He loved to travel, and despite his aforementioned grumpiness, loved the Happiest Place on Earth. He went with and without his grandkids, and many other places around the country, always searching for a good meal and a good time. Mike is survived by his wife, Shelly James, who he was a devoted husband to and whom he loved dearly and hopefully thanked daily for putting up with him; brother and sister-in-law, James “Skip” and Becky Keating; two children, Jacob Keating (Courtney) and Rachel Ferguson; and three grandchildren, Cohen Keating, Drew and Reese Ferguson. Mike will be forever missed by his family, friends, and the suspect clientele who knew he was the best defense attorney in town. Instead of gifts or flowers, donate to your local animal shelter, as Mike loved dogs, the crazier the better. Or go have a margarita and think of Mike. Private Memorial Service will be held. Friends may visit Monday, November 8, 2021, at Alexander North from 3:00 to 7:00 pm, with burial at Alexander Memorial Park. Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.