Billie James "Bill" Keating

Hornersville

Billie James "Bill" Keating, 77, of Hornersville, Mo., died Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro after a brief illness. Born Jan. 2, 1930, in Hornersville to the late Walter C. Keating and Winnie L. Long Keating, Mr. Keating was a lifelong area resident of the Hornersville community and a 55 year member of the Coldwater United Methodist Church where he served 22 years as treasurer. Mr. Keating was an Army veteran of the Korean conflict. After military service, he returned to farming, and during the mid 1950s and early 1960s, Mr. Keating contributed design changes on John Deere cotton pickers that were adopted by the manufacturer and are still being used today. In 1969 Mr. Keating and his family were chosen Dunklin County Farm Family. After retirement in 2004, he spent his time restoring antique tractors, listening to gospel music and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Dot Keating of Hornersville; two sons, Stephan Keating and wife Cynthia of Steele, Mo., James Wesley "Rusty" and wife Andrea of Hornersville; a daughter, Mary Frances "Binky" Keating Capper and husband Bruce of Dallas, Texas; five grandchildren, Stephan Keating II of Osceola, Charles Quinton Brenke and wife Whitney of Pine Bluff, Jarrad Keating of Hornersville, Brittney Keating of Malden, Mo., Drake Keating of Hornersville; a great-grandchild, Tyler Brenke, of Pine Bluff; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Keating was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Linwood, Ray, Edmond, Curt and Clifford Keating; a sister, Lucile Wilkins; two nephews, W.R. "Dub" Keating, and Donald Ray Keating; and a niece, Patty Sue Hyde.

Services were Monday at 1 p.m. at Coldwater United Methodist Church in Hornersville with Rev. Doug Clinton and Rev. Kevin Knox officiating. Burial was at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett with Faith Funeral Service of Manila in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Andy Keating, Danny Poole, Edmond Keating, Jr., Larry Keating, Terry Keating and Winfred Wilkins.