Paul Richard Keaton, 73, of Rankin, passed away peacefully at 5:49 a.m. Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at home. Paul was born on December 21, 1939, in Bainbridge, Ohio, the son of Sturgil and Leona (Justice) Keaton. He married Sandra Cox on September 4, 1959, in Danville. She survives. He is also survived by one son- John (Kim) Keaton of Rankin; one brother- Kenneth (Sylvia) Keaton of Aiken, South Carolina; two sisters- Carolyn (Edgar) Walls of Bainbridge, Ohio and Helen (Joe) Smart of Greenfield, Ohio; and one brother-in-law- Tommy George of Hillsboro, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother- Howard Keaton and sister- Frances George. Paul retired from 20 years of service in the United States Air Force. He was a life member of VFW Post #4826 in Hoopeston and the Air Force Sergeants Association. He worked at Bell Sports in Rantoul for many years until he retired in 2001. He enjoyed working in his yard, gardening, walking, fishing and hunting. A graveside service for Paul Richard Keaton will be at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at Rankin Union Cemetery in Rankin, with full military honors. Cremation rites will be accorded by the Wolfe-Blurton Funeral Home in Hoopeston. Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.wolfeblurtonfuneralhome.com.