Tommie Keeton

Tommie Keeton (Aug. 12, 1941 – Nov. 16, 1965) was a soldier from Scott County killed in the Vietnam War.

See Also: Scott Countians killed in war

Biography

Born Aug. 12, 1941, Tommie Keeton was the son of Lawrence Keeton (1919-1983) and Helen West (1922-1997). His siblings included Lucille Gregory (1940-2021), Lillard Keeton, Delmer Keeton, David Keeton, Jackie Keeton and Douglas Keeton.

The Keeton family lived in the Tunnel Hill area of Helenwood. The Keeton family has lived in the community for generations, dating back to when Baty Keeton (1846-1930) married Emily Jane Carson (1848-1941). The Carson family were the first settlers of the Tunnel Hill area. Tommie Keeton was Baty and Emily’s great-grandson.

Vietnam War

Sgt. Keeton enlisted in the U.S. Army on Aug. 16, 1965 and was assigned to A Co., 1st Battalion, 5th Vavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He was killed on Nov. 16, 1965 in South Vietnam.

Aftermath

Sgt. Keeton’s body was returned to Scott County for burial at Carson Memorial Park in Oneida, where his parents are also buried.

He received the Purple Heart award. He is listed on the VFW Post 5669 Memorial Wall in Oneida, the Scott County Veterans Memorial in Huntsville, the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial in Knoxville, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.