WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Joseph Arthur Keaton, pastor emeritus of Central Baptist Church in Roanoke, died on March 11, 2018; and

WHEREAS, a native of Kimball, West Virginia, Joseph Keaton moved to Roanoke with his family at a young age and graduated from Lucy Addison High School; he was drafted in 1961 and honorably served his country in the military until 1963; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Keaton joined Central Baptist Church at a young age and answered the call to ministry in 1970, earning certificates and degrees from Shenandoah Bible College, Colonial Bible Institute, and Hollins University as well as an honorary doctorate from Richmond Theological Seminary; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Keaton began his pastoral career with Indian Rock Baptist Church in Buchanan, then served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Hollins for 16 years; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Keaton became pastor of his home church, Central Baptist Church, in 1987, and helped the congregation grow and prosper for 30 years until his well-earned retirement in 2017; and

WHEREAS, known as a "preacher's preacher," Joseph Keaton was a trusted mentor and friend to many fellow ministers, held leadership positions in regional Baptist organizations, and was a sought-after speaker for conventions, seminars, and conferences; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Keaton was an avid Washington Redskins fan; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Mary Katherine, Joseph Keaton will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his sons, Anthony, Stephen, David, and Herman, and their families, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Reverend Dr. Joseph Arthur Keaton, a respected spiritual leader in Roanoke; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Reverend Dr. Joseph Arthur Keaton as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.