Elvas Keaton

Elvas Keaton, 77, of Claremore, OK, died there on Saturday, August 16, 2003. He was born April 6, 1926 in New Holland, OH to the late Ernest and Goldie Shaw Keaton. Entering military service at age 17, he served eight years in the U. S. Marine Corps, both in World War II and the Korean conflict. Elvas met Norma Jean Durbin, of Tuscarawas, who was working at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton as a private secretary. The young couple married on August 3, 1947 at Sharon Moravian Church and made their first home in St. Louis, MO. Elvas received training at Atlas Diesel School, taking advantage of the G. I. bill and began employment at International Harvester Co. in Huntsville, MO. He was also employed for a time with Peabody Coal in Huntsville before transferring to Claremore, OK in 1976. After retiring from Peabody in 1982, Elvas began a second career with CentriLift. Completeing five years of service, he once again retired. Along with Jean, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Claremore. And service in the Lions’ Club and with Meals-On-Wheels kept Elvas busy and actively involved in his community, a contribution that gave much satisfaction. He also loved woodworking, but the “apples of his eye” were his two granddaughters. Gentle, caring and understanding, Elvas leaves a legacy of love and service to his family, his community and his country. He is survived by his wife and helpmate of 56 years, Jean, of the home; children, Jack (Susan) Keaton of Togliatti, Russia; Jill (Glen) Zimmer of Perry, OK; and Jan Keaton of Oxford, PA; granddaughters, Raven and Addi Zimmer of Perry, OK; brothers, Veryl Keaton of Washington Courthouse and Emmert Keaton of New Holland; sisters, LaVonne Hiles of London, OH and Gearolyne Hiles of Darbydale, OH. In addition to his parents, Elvas was preceded in death by his son, Jim; brother, Bernard; and sister, Mona.Friends and family are invited to attend the graveside service on Friday, August 22, 2003, 1:00 PM at Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery with Pastor Michael R. Foran and members of New Philadelphia VFW Post #1445 officiating. Immediately following the service a meal will be shared in the church fellowship hall.The family has asked that contributions honoring Elvas be made to the building fund at First United Methodist Church, 1615 N. Highway 88, Claremore, OK 74017 or the Oklahoma Veterans’ Center, 3001 W. Blue Starr, Claremore, OK 74017.