In loving memory of our father, Harold (Hal) Keaton, born on August 4th, 1940, in Hayward, California, and passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on May 18, 2025, in Beaumont, TX. He was a loving father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Our hearts and souls are heavy with his absence.

He was so giving of his time and love and was present for any and every life event for all his children and grandchildren. He always showed up with love and support. He is known by friends and family for his love and talent for singing and playing guitar. He was always happy to share his love of country music at any event with friends and family. We could always count on him to sing and play guitar. He recorded his music and sent it to friends and family, and we are so grateful to have it.

He joined the Navy from 1957-1963 and was a machinist mate aboard the USS Sommers. While in the Navy, he was a member of a Navy band and shared his love of music with his mates. In his retirement years, he attended Navy reunions and continued his friendships with his Navy mates.

He began his career in law enforcement as a deputy in Caliente, Nevada, and later worked for the Las Vegas Police Department. In 1976 he was elected the Sheriff of Lincoln County, Nevada, and in 1977 attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. He retired from the State of Nevada Gaming Control Board in 1991. That same year he earned his Associates of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement. After retirement, he worked for the Nevada State Legislature, and became a member of RPEN, Retired Public Employees of Nevada, where he made many cherished, life-long friends.

He was an Ordained Minister and performed wedding ceremonies for friends and family. He loved God and Jesus and was a member of the Baptist Church. He loved to drive and traveled all over the country, but his heart belonged to Nevada. It was the only place he ever called home.

His accomplishments are many and his motto was, “If anyone has ever done it, then I can do it.”

He leaves behind his first wife and mother of his children, Donna; sisters: Thelma Somers (Raymond decd), Norma Boylan (Ed), Venice Lamoreaux (Scott), and Bonnie Keele (Dee); daughters; Lauri (Mike Schwoob), and Lisa Keaton (Brian Lantroop); many nieces and nephews; grandchildren: Amber Deitz (Gary), Shane Munguia (Meghan Cirillo), Ryann Brown (Herman), Cameron Schwoob, Taylor Munguia (Chelsea Malone), Chayse Munguia (Paige), Tianna Romiti (Zack), Brooke Schwoob (Kendell Bradley); and great grandchildren: Kenny, Adalynn, Faith, Peyton, Everett, Mateus, Rhyker, Uriah, Nova, Maggie, Harper, Hudson, Jeremiah, and Astrid.
He was predeceased by his parents, Phyllis Marie Smith and Harold Warren Keaton; brothers, Charles Woodworth and Gordon (Duffy) Woodworth; andnephews, Donny, Cory, and Trenton.

A memorial service to celebrate Hal’s life will be held on his 85th birthday, August 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. Friends and family are invited to join in remembrance.

May he rest in peace with the Lord.