Richard Woodson Keeton
September 14, 1942 - July 20, 2011
Obituary
Richard Woodson Keeton returned to the clouds from whence he came, in glory, peacefully on July 20th, 2011 after a ten year fight against Alzheimer’s. Born to George Woodson Chapman and Annie Mae Lane in Norfolk, Virginia on September 14, 1942, Richard was a devoted husband, loving father, brave warrior, lover of America, and friend to many.
Richard grew up in Norfolk and often spent summers with family in and around Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He is a graduate of Norview High School, Class of 1961, where he excelled in track and wrestling, competing at the state level in the latter. Richard is also a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and the ITT Technical Institute with a certificate in Mechanics. Richard is preceded in death by his mother, Annie Mae Lane, his adoptive father, Henry Berton Keeton, Jr., and younger brother, Donald Bert Keeton. He is survived by his father, George Woodson Chapman, his older brother, George ‘David’ Keeton of San Jose, CA, younger sister, Ruth Tyler of Kentucky, and younger siblings, Dan, Duane, Dean, and Debra Sykes, all of Virginia.
Richard is survived by his wife of 44 years, Panida Suchiva. They were married October 6, 1966 in Bangkok, Thailand, after a number of years developing a close friendship through the exchange of a number of letters during, and in the years in between, Richard’s two tours in Vietnam. Richard is a proud Army veteran of nine years, having served in Vietnam as a Green Beret in tours in 1962 and 1965. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and served for a number of years as State Quartermaster for the V.F.W. He proudly was an active member of V.F.W. Posts in Federal Way, Skyway, and Fife. He also was heavily involved in the POW-MIA movement, including the construction and dedication of a POW-MIA bracelet depository located on the grounds of Washington Memorial Park, where he will be buried. His words are forever etched in stone on the monument dedicated as a living memorial to those who have served and never had the privilege of coming home for burial.
Richard is survived by his two sons, Alexander Navin, of Auburn, Washington, and Richard Berton, of Las Vegas, Nevada, daughter in-law, Sarah Maitland, and four grandchildren, Emmalee Ann, Brittan-Michael Alexander, Cassidy Rose, Isabell Grace, and a fifth due in October. Richard was a longtime resident of the Federal Way area, and was very involved in numerous civic activities as well as countless veterans affairs. He was an advocate for veterans rights, the homeless, and involved with his sons’ sporting activities. Richard enjoyed working with his hands, often busy with home improvement projects, and in his younger years, cars, including racing. He was a talented singer, gifted in bringing people together and making things happen. He never backed down from a fight, yet he was always the first to lend a helping hand. Richard loved his family, his comrades, and his country.
Richard will be laid to rest at Washington Memorial Park on Saturday, July 30th, 2011. The service will be held at the Bonney-Watson Funeral Home at 16445 International Blvd., Seatac, WA at 11:00AM. Viewing will be during the hour before the service starts. The service will be followed by burial on site. Those wishing to celebrate the life and work of Richard are requested by the family to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association of Washington in lieu of flowers or other memorial gifts. Letters of condolence and comfort may be mailed to the family at 27821 32nd Place South, Auburn, WA 98001.
I didn’t know Richard but heard a lot of good things about him from fellow 1st Cav. NW Chapter troopers who did know him. He was THE founding member of our Chapter. RIP Trooper! From all the members of the 1st Cav. Div. Assoc. NW Chapter.
Thanks Richard for everything you did. We will keep you in our heart’s always.
Bob & Debbie
Our condolences to Panida and the rest of the family. I got to know Richard through the NW Chapter of the 1st Cavalry Division Association Founding member, The local MIA Chapter and Chapter 16 of the Special Forces Association, where Richard was an Associate member and the VFW. He was a hard worker for Veterans. He will be missed!
It was an honor for me to have met Richard. Mrs. Alfond and I had several conversations about him over the last few years. She had great respect for Richard. I will miss them both. They were truly outstanding Americans. Respectfully, Michael Grow
Those we love can never be, more than a thought apart, for as long as there’s a memory, they live on in our heart.
Dear Panida and Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Richard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. With Sympathy and Friendship, DeeDee and Jim
Our thoughts are with you during this time of loss.
I once ran into Paneeda and Richard at the Safeway in Federal Way.She introduced him to me as her boyfriend.I think that told a lot about the love and affection governing their relationship.
I love you Papa. You can rest now.