Rex Lindsley Keeton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, coach, and faithful servant of his Lord, passed away on August 15, 2026, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Rex's life was a testimony to faith, family, service, and perseverance.

Rex was born on April 13, 1945, to Rose Elizabeth “Bobbie” Adams Keeton and Ray Jones “Doc” Keeton. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Keeton.

He is survived by his wife, Kaye Keeton, and their four children: Kim Ray (James), Richelle Jefcoat (Billy), Ryan Keeton (Alayna), and Chase Keeton (Carla), his siblings Lindsley Keeton (Joanne), Charles Keeton (Cindy), and Cathy Marler (Robert), and sister-in-law Lynette Keeton. He was also blessed with eleven grandchildren, Fisher Ray (Mackenzie), Olivia Ray Jones (Breck), Press Jefcoat, Hagen Keeton, Payne Jefcoat, Ansley Keeton, Ava Keeton, Evan Keeton, Josey Keeton, Naomi Keeton, and Blake Keeton, who brought him tremendous joy and were a source of great pride.

A graduate of Morton High School, Class of 1963, Rex excelled in both football and baseball and was named Mr. Morton High School and All-Little Dixie in football. At East Central Community College, he was a two-year letterman in football, served as team captain his sophomore year, and was a two-way starter. He was named First Team All-State his sophomore year and was selected as the Most Outstanding Lineman in the Mississippi Junior and Community College Athletic Association, becoming the only ECCC player to receive that honor. He was also vice-president of the student body and a class favorite. Following his career at ECCC, Rex was a two-year starter at Delta State University, where he received the Sportsmanship Award and served as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

His athletic accomplishments were recognized long after his playing days. Rex was inducted into the ECCC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003, the Scott County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021, the Mississippi Community and Junior Colleges Sports Hall of Fame in 2023, and Delta State University Alumni Association’s Distinguished Statesman Award in 2026.

But Rex's greatest accomplishments were not measured by trophies, awards, or athletic honors. For forty years, he served others through education as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He and his wife, Kaye Payne Keeton of Pelahatchie, shared nearly 48 years of marriage, building a home centered on love, family, and faith. Rex was a devoted husband and a proud father and grandfather.

In retirement, Rex and Kaye made their home in the Crossroads Community, where they enjoyed their family, friends, and the community they loved.

Above all, Rex was a man who understood that this life is temporary and that his true home is with his Heavenly Father. He leaves his family not only cherished memories, but also the example of a life lived with purpose, faith, humility, and love. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, where there is no more pain or sorrow, but eternal life and peace.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 5:00-7:30 pm, with funeral services following on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:00 am. Both will be held at Cross Roads Baptist Church in Pelahatchie, MS. Interment will occur in a private ceremony for the family at Gulde Cemetery. Pallbearers are Ryan Keeton, Chase Keeton, his nephew Kyle Keeton, James Ray, Fisher Ray, Press Jefcoat, Payne Jefcoat, Hagen Keeton, and Evan Keeton. Honorary pallbearers are Cecil Jones, Gaines Massey, Butch Caston, Henry Glaze, Gene Richardson, Earnie Chaison, John Patrick, and Billy Jefcoat.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”— 2 Timothy 4:7