James “Jim” R. Keaton of New Castle, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at the Waters Nursing Home in New Castle after a short illness. He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio on February 1, 1930, to the late John D. and Frances (Porter) Keaton. He lived most of his adult life in New Castle, Indiana.
Jim proudly served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War where he fondly remembers working on aircraft. He drove and delivered for Meadow Gold Dairies and worked at the Bamboo Inn. He was an avid auction goer and woodworker where he refinished most of his auctions buys.
He is survived by his children, Ron Keaton of Chicago, IL., Chriss “Buddy” (Earlita) Keaton of Fort Wayne, In., and Cathy Churchwell of New Castle, IN; two grandsons, Josh (Kelli) Keaton of Kendalville, In., and Matt (Becky) Keaton of Angola, IN; five grandchildren, Rieken, Te’o, Kailer, Falynn, and Gracie all of Angola, IN; a sister, Mary Bradley of Georgetown, KY., and a brother, Harlan Keaton of Alexandria, IN.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Homer and Roy Keaton; three sisters, Anna Mae Pennington, Senia Erwin, and Maxine Royce; a son-in-law, Lewis Churchwell; the children’s mother, Lena (Anderson) Keaton and long-time friend, Barbara Harding.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Rose City Funeral Home, 2011 East Broad St., New Castle, IN., with Military Honors being conducted by the VFW and American Legion. Burial will follow in the Westlawn Veterans Addition of South Mound Cemetery Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.