Harold Keatts

Harold Donald Keatts was born June 3, 1927, to Jinks and Ada LaFollette Keatts in Billings, Missouri.  After attending Aurora High School where he was an athletic standout, Harold joined the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Smith based in Hawaii. Harold married Virginia Ruth Jones March 16, 1947 in Aurora, Mo. and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. They resided in California from 1947-1970 raising two sons while Harold managed several McMahon Furniture stores until early retirement in 1970. After relocating back to Golden City,  Harold was C.E.O. of Lamar Sheltered Workshop for fifteen years in a second career and built a successful and productive program and opportunity for many area residents to participate in. Harold’s third career/hobby was the “Big K Ranch” farm just north of Golden City where he raised Limosine cattle and many Walker Wolf Hounds over the years. Harold was an avid coyote hunter and known as the Golden Eagle on the c.b. radio hunting waves.  He chartered both the Porterville, Ca. and Golden City Lions Clubs.  He served as Mayor of Golden City for two terms, served 12 yrs on the Barton Co. Road Commission, was a member of the area Weather Alert Club, and church deacon for many years.  Harold umpired college and high school football, basketball, and baseball competitions for 19 years and enjoyed golf.  In addition to his wife, Virginia, he is survived by son Kenneth Wayne Keatts and wife Katrina of Paso Robles, Ca., three grandchildren, Brittany Jayne Hensley and husband Jeff of Atascadero, Ca., Garrick Hanson Keatts and wife Tera of Denver, Colorado, Holly Diane Talbott and husband Aaron of Lamar, Mo., great grandchildren Harrison, Allison, and Alexis Talbott, sisters Mildred Tubbs of Canyon Country, Ca., Lucille Vandegrift of Everton, Mo., and Betty Terry of Weslaco, Tx., & numerous nieces, nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles Keatts, and son Donald Eugene Keatts. Services will be Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 11:00a.m. at the First Baptist Church/Golden City, Arthur(Bud) Rogers Minister officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow at the local IOOF Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6-7pm Tue., May 29 at Daniel Funeral Home, Lamar, Mo.  Memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice or First Baptist Church of Golden City in care of Daniel Funeral Home, 1201 Broadway, Lamar, Mo. 64759  ph. 417-682-5518.