Rev. Dr. Lester William Keeton Sr.'s Obituary
Dr. Keeton was born in a family farm house in Fairfield, Texas. He was the oldest of four children born to his parents, Irene (Titus) and Elmus Keeton. His siblings were Lorenzo, Eloise and Herman.
His education was sporadic; first attending Titus Farms School through the 9th grade, then moving to Los Angeles, CA in 1939 following his mother after the separation of his parents. He enrolled in Metropolitan High School which he attended for two years. Times were rough. He had to put his education on hold for four years because of the Great Depression and World War II.
Dr. Keeton was drafted into a segregated US Army in 1943, serving at Brooklyn Field Air Force Base in Mobile, Alabama until honorably discharged in 1945. Having accepted Christ as his Savior in his teens he conscientiously objected to carrying a weapon and spent his service time as a cook. During this time period he met the love of his life, Dorothea Rountree. They were married in 1943 and were blessed with six children; a daughter, Dayle and 5 sons, Lester Jr., Earl (Marcella) of Portland, OR, Joseph of San Mateo, CA, Donald (LaTonya) of Jacksonville, FL, and Marty of San Mateo, CA. Dorothea worked faithfully by his side for over 57 years until God called her home in 2001.
After his discharge in 1945, Dr. Keeton returned to Los Angeles and enrolled in Jefferson Evening High School from which he received a diploma in 1947. In 1948, he continued his education at L.I.F.E. Bible School and graduated in 1950 with a ministerial diploma. He accomplished this while also working for the City of Los Angeles. The International Bible Institute and Seminary awarded Dr. Keeton and honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1983.
Dr. Keeton left Los Angeles in 1952 to minister in Portland, OR under the guidance of the late Bishop W. L. McKinney. He faithfully ministered in Portland for 12 years. He was State Sunday School Superintendent for 2 years. He organized the McKinney Bible Institute, a school for ministers and missionaries, where he was Dean and taught for three years. He pastured All Saints Church of God in Christ for 8 years. He work for Armour and Company, a meat packing company and was transferred to Northern California, where he worked until eligible for retirement.
In 1965, Dr. Keeton moved to San Mateo, CA, joining Macedonia COGIC, doing the work of an Evangelist, until he was appointed Senior Pastor of Wagner Memorial COGIC in Oakland, CA. For the rest of his life he served honorably and faithfully in numerous positions: 1. Dean of Bible Institute 2. Chairman of the Elders Council 3. Member of the Executive Board 4. Assistant Superintendent Central District 5. Pastor of Wagner Memorial COGIC for 30 years.
Throughout his life, his love for God and family never wavered. Dr. Keeton was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife, daughter and eldest son. He is survived by his 4 sons, 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great granchildren.
What’s your fondest memory of Lester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lester?
Share a story where Lester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lester you’ll never forget.
How did Lester make you smile?
