Ernest Lee Keeton, 81, of Union, KY, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Florence, KY.  Born on May 26, 1944, in Oneida, TN; he was the son of the late Ernest Keeton and Goldie Laxton Keeton.

Lee worked many years as a mechanic (also known as a car man) for Norfolk Southern Railroad. Everyone on the railroad it seems always has a nickname and Lee was better known to his work buddies as “Blue.”  Lee always had a tool in his hand. Before city water lines were installed in Union, he owned and operated his own water delivery service as well as Keeton Trucking (which was a cut-down box truck modified to be a dump truck). Resourceful but never stingy, Lee would always be quick to help others with a building project or to work on a vehicle.

While Lee enjoyed a quiet country life, he was never idle. He cut hay and tended to his small farm, vegetable garden, goats and chickens.  In his golden years, he was known around Union for his fresh farm eggs.  For many years Lee and Darlene kept and traded horses and enjoyed horseback riding. A horse special to Lee’s heart was an Appaloosa pony named Popeye, who came home one day in the back of a pickup truck (Lee held him safe the whole way home).

Lee was the rare combination of a grand storyteller who was also a great listener. According to his family, he pioneered the idea of renting out vendor spaces on your own property for the 127 Yard Sale. Twice he was featured on HGTV, selling hot dogs, soda and snacks to those seeking treasures. More than the treasures or the concept of making a dollar though, Lee enjoyed talking and hobknobbing with people during this annual event.

Lee was the loving husband of 57 years to Darlene Phillips Keeton; dear dad to Ernest Dean Keeton (Wendy Griffin) and Tammy Cheril Keeton; beloved papaw of Ernest “Dalton” Keeton, Samantha Jo Keeton, and Danielle Richardson; as well as great-grandpa to Harrison Lee Orr. Lee was welcomed in to Heaven with a hug from his daughter Sylvia Lee Keeton; parents Ernest and Goldie Keeton and his sisters Ida Mae Buttrum and Reba Smith.

Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another’s company, and honor the legacy Lee leaves behind on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM until shortly before the time of the funeral ceremony at 12:00 PM; both at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home, 8461 Dixie Hwy, Florence, KY, 41042.  Directly following the funeral, Lee will be laid to rest with full military honors at Hughes Chapel Cemetery, Union, KY.