NORWICH – Donald Keator, 88, of Norwich, passed away Jan. 12 , 2013 at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford.
Don was born June 17, 1924 in Olive Bridge, the son of Harry and Irene Keator. His father died when Don was young, leaving him with the responsibility of daily chores on the family farm. Shortly thereafter, Don joined the U.S. Marine Corps and became Private First Class. He served in the Pacific Theaters of Operation with the 4th Marine Division, F Company, 4th Battalion, seeing combat on Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. After discharge from the Marines, Don became a Prison Guard at Woodbourne and Napanoch Prisons and bartended at the Nevele on weekends. On Aug. 17, 1947, he married Eleanor Louise Rode of Ellenville.
In 1960, Don moved his family to Norwich and worked at Camp Pharsalia until his retirement in 1970 from New York State. In 1971 he purchased a small, local beer distributorship on Berry St. from Ed O’Neill and started Norwich Distributing Company. In 1982 the business moved into a new and larger facility at Hawley’s Corner in the Town of Norwich, and he worked there until his retirement in 2004 at the age of 80. His hobbies included card games with his good friends, hunting, building houses in his spare time and work. His most passionate hobby was spending time with his grandchildren through the years until his passing. Don had many friends and business associates who would often stop by the warehouse to discuss current issues in detail over a cold beer. If controversy or disagreement arose, Don was known to laugh and say “Take it easy, have a beer.”
Don is survived by his son James and Belinda Keator of Norwich, and daughter Nancy Keator of Grass Valley, CA. His grandchildren include Savanna and Devin Keator of Norwich, and Alena Keator of Grass Valley, CA. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Don was predeceased by his wife Eleanor, on Nov. 17, 2002 and by a son Stephen on Aug. 19, 1987. He was also predeceased by brothers, Harry, James, Ike, and Leslie and sister Ruth and twin sister Leslie.
A funeral service for Don will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday from the Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Norwich. The Very Rev. Charles Taylor, Rector, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford for their loving care during Don’s residence there.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Chenango County SPCA 6160 Cty Rd., 32, Norwich, NY 13815
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.