Tommy Frank Keaton

Tommy Frank Keaton, age 80, passed away at his home in Shawnee, Kan., on March 23, 2026, after a long bout with cancer.

Tommy was born in Hot Springs, Ark., on August 6, 1945, at the tail end of World War II. He came from humble beginnings with a dad who did lathing work and a mom who picked cotton in their early years. The family moved between Arkansas, California, and Arizona following jobs before eventually settling in Kansas City, Mo.

Tommy was a true survivor in those childhood years, beating death three times — once after being seriously burned in a fire, once after falling out of a car on the highway, and another time after nearly drowning in a lake. God had other plans for his life.

After graduating from Southeast High School, Tommy had a brief stint as a phone company operator, where he might have disconnected a few calls just for fun as a mischievous teenager.

He then went on to build his career in the roofing business. His strong work ethic, innovative thinking, and intense focus led to many successes, and he generously shared the fruits of his labor in the care of his immediate and extended family.

It is often said that home is where the heart is, and that was certainly true for Tommy and his wife, Patty. For the last 49 years, they lived in their home on acreage in Shawnee with ponds, streams, barns, fields, tractors, gardens, chickens, dogs, peacocks, and sometimes even goats, pigs, and ducks. It was a special and oft-visited gathering place for their family and guests, who were always warmly welcomed.

Tommy was often envisioning his next outdoor project to tackle, and he loved birdwatching and sitting on his covered deck during rain showers. He also enjoyed history, classic car auctions, reading, and national parks. He was a devoted family man and sincere Christian.

In January, Tommy was preceded in death by Patty after more than five decades of marriage. He is survived by daughters Kimberly Keaton and Breonna Amis (Chris) and sons Ryan and Dustin Keaton and Chad Bettes, all of Shawnee.

Grandchildren include Tomas, Steven, Logan, Parker, Ryann, Brynn, and Brooklynn Keaton; Laurel Zarda; Eamon Wingate; and Jaden, Mason, Sylas, and Aggie Amis.

Others who predeceased Tommy were his parents, Kenneth and Clara Keaton; brothers Richard, Jimmy, and Michael Keaton; and sister Billie Ruth Reighard. His living siblings are Fred Keaton, Norma Faulkner, and Beverly Whisenhunt.