Sunday, February 23, 2025
4:00 - 6:00 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)
Monday, February 24, 2025
Starts at 10:00 am (Mountain (no DST) time)
Monday, March 3, 2025
1:00 - 1:30 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)
Darryl Edward Keeton was born on January 18, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Florence and Eddie Keeton. Darryl was the second of four siblings and was the only son. Darryl attended public schools in St. Louis and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1970. He attended the University of Missouri, fondly known as Mizzou, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Education.
While attending Mizzou, in the Fall of 1970, Darryl became an esteemed member of the Delta Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Darryl pursued his Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance at Mizzou. Darryl earned his Type D Principal License from the University of Denver to further his passion for educating the youth.
Darryl met the love of his life, Charmaine V. (Hemphill) Keeton, in the fall of 1982, and the rest, as they say, is history. Darryl and Charmaine married on July 30, 1983, in Aurora, Colorado. This union produced three sons, the “3-Ds”, Darryl II, DeWayne, and Derrick Keeton. Darryl was incredibly proud of his sons.
Darryl was deeply committed to his role as an educator while working in Aurora, Cherry Creek, and Denver Public Schools as a Teacher, Counselor, Dean, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Darryl retired from both Cherry Creek and Denver Public Schools after completing over 40 years of service. Even though he was retired, Darryl found himself back in the school system, counseling and tutoring in math. His commitment to family, faith, and community was unwavering. His impact will be felt for generations to come.
Darryl was an active member of the Denver Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, where he made lasting connections and left a legacy of love and strength. He recently received his 50-year certificate from the Grand Chapter of the Fraternity and was proud of his white jacket. In addition, to his love for his family, students, and fraternity, Darryl was a true lover of plants. He had a natural talent for cultivating plants and was truly a curator of greenery. Darryl has not one but two plant rooms in the home. In the two “Amazon” rooms, as lovingly named by his wife, Darryl, has well over 200 plants throughout the house, yes, over 200!
Darryl loved to travel with his wife, Charmaine. Sometimes she had to ask and pursue him over a few months until he bought in. The Tuesday before he passed and after much persuasion, Charmaine finally convinced him to brave the cold and visit Greenland this summer. He traveled to all 50 states and six continents. He also loved sports, playing baseball and softball through adulthood. He made it a goal to visit nearly every baseball stadium across North America with his sons. Darryl was a lover of animals, especially his current beloved dogs, Tiger Woods, a Boxer and Sir Wellington, a Goldendoodle.
Darryl Keeton was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and friend throughout his life. Most recently, he became a loving and doting grandfather, fondly referred to as “Big Daddy,” who could get baby Brynn to stop crying, even after “Cha Cha” tried. Darryl accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was a faithful member of the Colorado Christian Fellowship in Aurora, Colorado.
Darryl was known for his warm spirit, unshakable wisdom, and deep love for his family and fraternity. He'll be remembered for his remarkable ability to listen, offer guidance and, of course, his sense of humor, which could light up any room.
Darryl is preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Eddie Keeton, and his younger sister, Patrice Keeton Haines. He leaves to cherish memories of his loving and devoted wife Charmaine V. Keeton; his sons, Darryl II, DeWayne (Lauren), and Derrick; his beautiful granddaughter Brynn; his siblings Diane (Lawrence), Nina (Bobby), his “brother-cousin” Robert Lee; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
On February 12th, 2025, God whispered in his ear, “well done, good and faithful servant,” and called him home. Rest in Peace, Darryl Edward Keeton. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
4:00 - 6:00 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)
Horan & McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation - Southeast Denver/Aurora
Monday, February 24, 2025
Starts at 10:00 am (Mountain (no DST) time)
Colorado Christian Fellowship – Aurora Aurora, Colorado 80012 USA
Monday, March 3, 2025
1:00 - 1:30 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)
Fort Logan National Cemetery
Visits: 55
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