Garland Eugene Keaton, Sr.

Command Sergeant Major Garland E. Keaton Sr., U.S. Army (Retired), a highly decorated patriot and the cherished member of his family, was called home on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the age of 74. Born on June 26, 1951, in Norfolk, Virginia, Garland was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. His life was defined by dedication, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his country. In June 1969, he answered the call to serve, volunteering for the U.S. Army and serving with valor as a young soldier in the Vietnam War.

His exemplary career spanned 30 years of distinguished service across the United States and Germany. Throughout these three decades, Garland held numerous vital leadership positions, including serving as a Drill Sergeant and during the Gulf War in 1991. His distinguished 30-year military service culminated with his final assignment as Command Sergeant Major, Division Support Command, 1st Cavalry Division, until his retirement in December 1998. Throughout his three decades of military service, Garland was supported by Karin Keaton, with whom he shared forty years of marriage and raised his three children.

Command Sergeant Major Keaton Sr.’s career was a testament to his courage and professional excellence. He was a recipient of the prestigious Order of Saint Martin and the Order of the Spur. Among his most prominent honors were the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal with Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal and the German Military Proficiency Badge. In addition to these prestigious citations, he earned six Army Commendation Medals, nine Army Good Conduct Medals, and international honors including the Kuwait Liberation Medals from both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Beyond his professional achievements, Garland was a man of immense strength and character who found his deepest joy in his family. He was the beloved husband of Mabini Maborang Keaton, with whom he shared a life of deep love and mutual devotion. A dedicated member of the Masonic Fraternity, he was also a devoted brother and a guiding light to those he loved, teaching his children the values of honor and hard work.

He is survived by his wife, Mabini; his children: Garland Eugene Keaton Jr., Jermaine Eric Frank V. Keaton, and Takisha Katharina Hall; and his six cherished grandchildren: Aaliyah Katharina Miller, Shailayah Nichole Miller, Janaiyah Natalie Miller, Tristan Gage Keaton, Jax Garland Wayne Keaton, and Eli Frank Keaton. He is also survived by his brother, Mr. Reggie Keaton Sr.; his sisters, Mrs. Ruby Downing (Elmore), Mrs. Barbara Lyons (Vassar), Ms. Gwendolyn Keaton, Ms. Jacqueline Keaton, and Ms. Anner Keaton; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Frank Keaton Sr. and Mrs. Vivian Elnora Riddick Keaton, and his brother, Mr. Frank Keaton Jr.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find peace in the promise of the Resurrection and the words of 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Having completed his earthly service, we can say he fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept his faith. His earthly mission is complete, and he has now laid down his burden to rest in God's eternal peace.