MG Jerry M. Keeton

MG Jerry M. Keeton, 80, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, February 24, 2018 at the Baldwyn Nursing Home facility. A celebration of life will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Booneville with Rev. Carter Smith and Dr. Lynn Jones officiating. Burial will be in Booneville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at the church.

Jerry was born March 17, 1937, in Wheeler, MS to Wilmer E. and Helen Martin Keeton. He graduated form Wheeler High School in 1955 where he played basketball from 1952-1955. He was the captain of the winning team at the 1955 State Basketball Championship.

He attended Mississippi State University, graduating in 1959 with a degree in civil engineering. While at MSU, Jerry was a member of the Blue Key Honor Society, a Distinguished ROTC Graduate, a Who's Who in American Colleges, President of the M-Club, and a Distinguished Engineering Fellow. Jerry was the co-captain of the bulldog basketball team when MSU won the SEC Championship in 1959, rated 3rd in the nation.

Jerry Married Josie Browning Keeton June 3rd, 1961. They have one son, Joe Keeton.

Jerry served in the US Army from 1960 to his last assignment as Deputy Commander RC of 2nd U.S. Army in Fort Gillem, GA. He commanded troops with the Platoon, Company, Battalion, Group, and Brigade units for the Mississippi National Guard. Jerry retired in 1993, with the grade of Major General, from the US Army.

Jerry's civilian life was served as a registered professional engineer. He was a supervisory civil engineer for the USDA National Resources Conservation Service from 1965-2002. While residing in Tupelo, MS, Jerry and his family attended Harrisburg Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. After retiring, Jerry moved his family back home to Wheeler, MS. There they joined Booneville First Baptist Church. He was active in many activities at FBC, including Joymakers. During this time, Jerry became a cattleman and enjoyed the farm life. Two of Jerry's favorite pastimes were quail hunting and fishing. Often, Jerry could also be found watching sporting events, particularly attending MSU events and Wheeler HS Basketball games.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Josie Browning Keeton; son, Joe Keeton; brother, Billy Keeton (Jean); several nieces and numerous cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer E. and Helen Martin Keeton.

Pallbearers will be Phil Purvis, Mark Garner, Mitch Garner, Jacky Martin, Clay Martin, Daniel Martin, Kevin Manley, Blake Manley and George Via.

Honorary pallbearers will be Berea Sunday School Class and Hardee's Coffee Group.