James R. Keeton's Obituary
James R. “Cotton” Keeton, age 82, of Lorain, passed away at Mercy New Life Hospice Center on Thursday, May 18th, 2023.
He was born on January 12, 1941 in Philadelphia, Mississippi and graduated from Philadelphia High School in 1959. After high school he attended East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi. After college, Cotton moved to Lorain, Ohio and began working at Ford Motor Company for a brief time before serving in the United States Army. He served his beloved country in Korea from 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1965, earning the rank of Sergeant. After serving his term with the military, he went back to work for Ford Motor Company where he retired as a Superintendent in the paint department.
Cotton loved and cherished every moment he was able to spend with his family. He enjoyed golfing, working on old cars, watching the Cleveland Guardians, traveling, playing games, and going to the casino.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kathleen R. (nee Urig); sons, Kim (Camille) Keeton, of Sheffield Lake and Jason (Kim) Keeton, of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Shelbey, Kelsey, Kourtney, Amberly, Lesley and Jenna; great grandson, Ethan; sister, Judy (Randy) Clark, of Philadelphia, Mississippi; as well as his many nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents, William and Effie (nee Clark) Keeton, brother, William Keeton and sister, Maeleen Vetuski.
A celebration to honor Cotton’s life will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Tom’s Country Place, 3442 Stoney Ridge Road, Avon, Ohio 44011. Family and friends are asked to arrive at noon. In lieu of flowers and if desired, contributions in Cotton’s memory may be made to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or www.michaeljfox.org.
Arrangements are under the care of Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. To send an online condolence, please visit www.dovinreberjones.com.
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