Vondel “Buster” Ray Keeton, 86, of Amarillo, Texas took his last earthly breath and first heavenly breath on May 23, 2023.
Memorial services will be at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel with Rob Blum officiating. Military Rites provided by Volleys for Veterans. A formal visitation is not scheduled; however, you are welcome to visit the family at the home of Buster and Barbara. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Buster was born in Whitesburg, Kentucky on February 18, 1937, to Ruah and Lucian Keeton. He served in the United States Army for three years and the United States Air Force for eighteen years as a jet engine mechanic. Buster received many accolades and medals for his exemplary service to his country.
Buster married the love of his life, Barbara Barton, on February 7, 1959, in Amarillo. They were blessed to have 64 years together.
Buster and Barbara had five children: David Ray (1960-2008), Dennis Scott of California, Daniel Wayne and wife Darenda, Janet Sue and husband Allen Ewing, and Julie Alice Ruth and husband Robbie Norman. They were blessed with 8 grandchildren: John Eric Scott Keeton and wife Tara, Sarah Denise Keeton, Allyson Lee Anna Keeton, Olivia Ruie Alice Keeton, Katelyn Marie Vagrosky and husband Hunter, Jacob Taylor Ray Ewing and wife Shea, Kale Daniel Norman, and Robert Lake Clay Norman and wife Mariah. They have two great-grandchildren: Mason Scott Keeton and Carter Grace Vagrosky.
Buster was proud of his military service and his Kentucky birthplace. Buster never met a stranger, he loved to talk and tell stories. He enjoyed walking at the mall with friends five mornings a week, playing bluegrass music, but his greatest joy was time spent with his wife, kids and grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his oldest son, David Ray, in 2008; his parents; two sisters; four brothers; and two brothers-in-law.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Barbara; two sons, Scott and Danny; and his two daughters, who Buster told everyone were his “angels on earth”, Janet and Julie; 8 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren. Also surviving Buster are many very dear cousins in Kentucky along with their children; a cousin in Texas; and a sister-in-law, Ellen Barton of Tyler, Texas.
Prayers to all the family
Jake so glad you have family close by. So hard to lose a cherished family member. Prayers for peace, comfort and love for all the family.
He was a good man, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. We will miss him and his stories and music. Fly high Buster your pain is gone.
Gary and Marilyn
I will miss Bub all my family loves him my father loved him as a brother.
Bub was more than a cousin…he was like an uncle or even a brother! Sitting on the front porch swing, sipping on a cup of coffee will always be one of my fondest memories of Bub, here at his second home…Kentucky! We will hold to the memories of Bub but surely miss him! Love and Prayers for y’all from Kentucky! ❤️