Born in Oakridge, Roatan, Honduras, he was the son of the late James Noel Cooper and Althea Wood Cooper. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Christopher Patrick Cooper; two sisters; and one brother.
Keyto is survived by his wife of 63 years, June Harmony Cooper; two sons, Keyto Cooper, Jr. and his wife, Cindy, and Troy Allen Cooper and his wife, Amber, all of Forest; three grandchildren, Courtney C. Stables and her husband, Andy, Trey Cooper and Sophia Cooper; his step-granddaughter, Kaylee Dickson; and his great-grandson, Cooper Stables.
Family was at the heart of Keyto’s life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who took great pride in those he loved. Time spent with his family was especially meaningful to him, and he treasured the relationships he shared with each generation. His love for his family was evident not only in his words, but in the way he lived his life—steadfast, supportive and always wanting the very best for those closest to him.
Keyto was the owner and operator of several area McDonald’s restaurants. He and his wife moved to Lynchburg in 1968 to open the first McDonald’s in Lynchburg. He enjoyed a 53-year career building a successful business and developing lasting relationships throughout the community.
His Christian faith was a defining part of his life. Keyto was a longtime and devoted member of Timberlake Baptist Church, a church he dearly loved and considered an important part of his extended family. His faith guided the way he lived, served others and cared for those around him. He valued the fellowship of his church family and the many friendships he formed there through the years.
Keyto’s faith and love for his native Honduras also inspired him to help others in a very meaningful way. He was the co-founder of Health in Sight Mission, a ministry dedicated to providing much-needed medical and vision services to the people of Roatan, Honduras, particularly those who otherwise might go without critical care. Through this ministry, Keyto was able to combine his faith, his compassion for others and his enduring connection to the place where his life began.
Above all, Keyto will be remembered as a man who loved his Lord, his family, his church and his community. His faith shaped his life, his family brought him great joy, and his desire to serve others leaves a legacy that will continue through the many lives he touched.
A service celebrating his life and faith will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Timberlake Baptist Church with Pastors Bryan Farrell, Larry Brodie, James H. Alley and Jonathan Falwell officiating. Interment will follow in Virginia Memorial Park.
The family would also like it to express their gratitude to caregivers and staff of Westminster Canterbury’s Drinkard Health Care Center and the Westminster Hospice.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Health in Sight Mission, www.healthinsightmisson.org.
