Billy Scott Keeton, “Bill”, 99, of Springfield, Missouri, passed peacefully on September 23, 2025, surrounded by loving family members. He was born on August 4, 1926, in Bokchito, Oklahoma to Hettie Mitchell and Scott Keeton.

On February 20, 1971 Bill married Barbara Bennett, and together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, and family. They spent nearly 55 years together. He was a devoted husband, a proud dad, and a much-loved “Poppy.”

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Hettie and Scott, his brother Gene, and sister-in-law Mary Keeton. He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara; his children Scott Keeton (Susan) and Julie Anderson (Rick); grandchildren Hannah Giefer (Kyle) and Logan Anderson (Brea); new great granddaughter, Callahan, and extended family Mike Bennett (Barbara), Michael Bennett (Joni), Steve Dukes, his pet cat Midge, and many other friends.

Bill and Barbara were longtime members of the Kansas Expressway Church of Christ and attended in person services as long as they were able.

He attended elementary school at a one room schoolhouse in Stott’s City, MO, Fairbanks Elementary in Springfield, 3 years at Pipkin, 2 years at Senior High, and 2 summers at Greenwood Laboratory School. He also attended Draughon Business College and studied Accounting.

A proud World War II veteran, Bill was in the service for 18 months, traveling to Japan and the Philippines. Bill was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Battle Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Battle Star, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, and Victory Medal. Following his discharge as a corporal in 1946, Bill went on to work as a bookkeeper for Masters Jackson Paving Company for 38 years. Known for his precision and love of numbers, he balanced checkbooks both at work and home down to the penny with ease and never missed the opening bell of the stock market. His colleagues treasured him, and when he retired, they sent him on a trip to Hawaii-a gift that sparked his lifelong love for the islands.

Bill loved to travel and stay active throughout his entire life, especially to the beach. It was his “happy place.” Hawaii became a favorite destination, and yearly trips to Florida were cherished traditions. He always took his entire family to join in on the fun.
While he enjoyed the Florida heat in his later years, he also enjoyed many van family road trips: East all the way down the New England area- Maine to DC, all along the West coast- Washington state all the way down to Yosemite, and then across to the Grand Canyon, North to Devils Tower, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Yellowstone. He wanted his kids and grandchildren to see it all. At home, he could always be found cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, faithfully attending games every year at the Champions Club in St. Louis and even holding season tickets to Springfield Cardinals games since Hammons Field opened.

Above all, Bill’s greatest pride was his family. He often said he had “the best family ever,” and he never missed a chance to share that joy with others.
His signature phrase, “mighty fine,” summed up not just how he felt, but how he made others feel in his presence. Bill will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, quick smile, and the way he made everyone around him feel special.

Services will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home East (3540 E Seminole St, Springfield, MO) on Saturday, October 4th, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. and a memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m., officiated by longtime friend Jef Wells. All who knew and loved Bill are welcome to gather and celebrate his remarkable 99 years of life.