David Paul Keeton

David Paul Keeton of Clarksville, TN passed away at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. David is survived by his wife, Rita, their three children, Joseph, Douglas, and Carolyn; sister-in law, Elizabeth Keeton, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita and Paul Keeton, and his brother, Dan Keeton.

David was born on August 6th, 1944 in Memphis, TN. He grew up in Paragould, Arkansas where he was a Boy Scout, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduation, he attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas where he majored in chemistry. During the summers, he worked in universities and government labs across the country including Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He attended graduate school at Northwestern University where he obtained a PhD in chemistry.

David completed post-doctoral studies in England. He taught at the University of Leeds, and University College London before accepting a position at the University of Toronto. He later joined Monsanto where he held positions in both Canada, and in the St. Louis office.

He and his family relocated to New Jersey in 1983 where he worked for a privately owned chemical company. They lived in New Jersey until 2005, and they formed deep roots within the community. During this time, David served as a Scoutmaster helping many young men attain the rank of Eagle Scout. He was also active in the Westfield, NJ Methodist Church and served on many committees. During his later years, he taught at the College of New Jersey.

In 1997, David started Arcan Enterprises, a company that produces and sells a product for the septic system industry. After retiring to Clarksville, TN, David was diagnosed with stage four cancer. He kept his belief in service to his fellow man and participated in many drug trials that help develop new and better drugs. These drugs also prolonged his own life for over seven years.

A memorial service will be held at 2 :00 p.m. at the Madison Street United Methodist Church in Clarksville, TN on Tuesday, November 15th, 2016. Reverend Brian Marcoulier, and Reverend Laurie Hynson will officiate. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the Social Hall of the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in David's memory to the Sarah Cannon Cancer Research Institute, Nashville, TN, or to a charity of your choice. It was also his wish that people perform random acts of kindness in his memory.

Arrangements by Gateway Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 335 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone 931-919-2600. Online condolences may be left at www.gatewayfh.com.