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John and Margaret Keeton
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By GALEN HOLLEY
Staff Writer
Former state senator, philanthropist and attorney John Keeton was remembered as a pillar of Grenada amongst his friends and business associates last week.
Keeton passed away Dec. 26.
“He was a rare jewel, faithful to the Lord and to his fellow man,” said Circuit Clerk Linda Barnette, who was also a fellow member with Keeton at First Baptist Church, where he was a long-time Sunday school teacher and deacon.
Keeton was also a long-time Rotary Club member.
“He was a gracious man, wonderful, had the best sense of humor,” said friend Dolly Marascalco.
A graduate of Grenada High School, Keeton served as a bombardier in the Air Force during World War II. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1945.
In 1950 Keeton became the first president of the Chamber of Commerce. At age 26, he was the youngest ever to hold the position.
He served Grenada as state senator from 1984-1994.
“A lot of people didn’t know this, but he was an early board member of Grenada Lake Medical Center,” said GLMC Director of Administration Chip Denton. “His wife, Margaret, used to keep the minutes,” Denton said.
The Keetons were named Citizens of the Year by readers of the GrenadaStar in 2012.
The couple donated more than $1.5 million and at least 1,000 acres of timber to the University of Mississippi. Their service is also recognized with the Keeton Room at the Holmes Community College Grenada campus.
“He certainly was a generous man,” said Mayor Billy Collins, noting that in 2007, to save it from destruction, the Keetons purchased the former Masonic Temple in downtown Grenada and donated it to the city. The temple has been renamed the John and Margaret Keeton Community Arts Center and is currently under renovation.
Denton perhaps summed up Keeton’s life best. “He was a legend in his own time,” he said.
Services will be Jan. 6 at 3 p.m. at Grenada First Baptist Church with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.
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