Roll Call Tribute

Published in Abilene Reporter-News on October 14, 2011

Hilton Keeter
Abilene

Hilton Keeter, 89, passed away peacefully at Windcrest Alzheimers Care Center in Abilene, Texas on Wednesday, October 12, 2011. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Throckmorton, Texas with Bro. Peter Parker officiating. Interment will be held following the service in the Throckmorton Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes.

Hilton Keeter was born January 7, 1922. He was the third child born to John J. and Leo Allen Keeter. He grew up on the family ranch in Throckmorton and graduated from Throckmorton High School in 1939. Hilton attended Texas A&M University from 1939 to1943 before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corp. serving as a gunner on B-29's. He also studied at Yale University in Connecticut while he was in the service. After discharge from the service at the rank of 1st Lt., he returned to A&M where he graduated with a degree in Agriculture Engineering in January of 1947. After graduation, Hilton was employed by Mid Continent Supply Company in Odessa, Texas Hilton met Dorothy St. John, daughter of George and Nora Lee (Alexander) St. John of Fort Worth, in McCamey Texas. They were married in Fort Worth on August 21, 1949. They have been married for 62 years. She was the love of his life. They had fourchildren, John Nelson Keeter, Mack Allen Keeter, Kimberly Ann Keeter, and Peggy Lynn Keeter who died at birth. Soon after they were married, Hilton was transferred to San Angelo, Texas. In 1953 he was transferred to Gainesville, Texas where he was a store manager for Mid Continent Supply Company. While living in Gainesville, Hilton was ordained a deacon in the First Baptist Church. In 1961, the Keeter family moved to Throckmorton where Hilton was engaged in farming and ranching.

Hilton loved his Lord, his church, his family, and his community. He was a member at the First Baptist Church of Throckmorton and served as a Baptist deacon for over 54 years. He often said Christians should be the most joyful people on earth. Hilton loved his family. He was a loving husband to his wife, a loving father to his children and a loving grandfather to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Hilton also loved his community where he served 15 years on the Throckmorton Independent School Board; he was past president of the Throckmorton Chamber of Commerce and also the Lions Club. He served on boards for the Throckmorton County Appraisal District, the Soil Conservation Service, the Agriculture Department, Farm Service Agency,and the Wichita Production Credit Association on which he served as a director for six years. He was a District Director for First Security Savings and Loan in Abilene. He served several years on the Hardin Simmons University Board of Development. Hilton was a mason for over 50 years, a member of the Fort Griffin Lodge #489, a Scottish Rite member and member of Chapter 500, Order of the Eastern Star. Hilton was a dedicated member of the Throckmorton County Senior Citizens Center where he delivered meals to the homebound for many, many years. He was a true servant to our Lord and community.

Hilton was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, John Keeter, Jr., Laurston Keeter, Almart Keeter, and Charlie Mills Keeter; one sister, Virginia Ann Haynes; and his beloved grandson, J.J. Breeden.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; two sons, John Keeter of Throckmorton and Mack Keeter and wife Sue of Lake Jackson; one daughter, Kimberly Keeter Copeland and husband, Bruce of Abilene; one brother, Dr. Guy Keeter and wife, Jo Anne of Rockwall,Texas; one sister, Gayle Keeter Toland of Germantown, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Christi Keeter of San Marcos, Texas, Shelley Keeter Parker and husband Graham of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Misty Keeter Denman and husband David of Aledo, Texas and JillLindsey and husband Britt of Houston, Texas; two great grandchildren, Ben and Owen Denman of Aledo; and, many nieces and nephews and special family friend, Brenda Rankin, as well as a host of friends. He never met a stranger.

Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Throckmorton Building Fund or to the Throckmorton County Senior Citizens Center.