Ernest Ray Keating's Obituary
Ernest “Ernie” Ray Keating was born March 18, 1928 in Fort Worth, Texas. His parents were Richard Morgan and Dora Flippo Keating. He had two brothers Richard and Morgan.Ernie was the youngest of his three brothers. Their father passed away when the boys were still young. The brothers quickly obtained jobs to help with the household expenses and support their mother. This aspect of his life molded him into the man he is today. After high school and before his 18th birthday he enlisted in the Coast Guard where he became a Veteran of WWII. He had so many stories about the war and always loved watching movies about WWII and talking to others about the experience.After the Coast Guard he began working in the Oil and Gas industry as an accountant. While working at Southern Production Oil Company he met Janis and they were married December 17, 1955. They were married for 62 years and made the Dallas area their home where they raised their only child Melanie. He studied Accounting at North Texas State University and was a member of the Petroleum Accountants Association. He retired in 1984 from Sun Oil Company. He was a member of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church for many years where their membership is still active today.Ernie was always a loving and supportive husband and family meant everything to him. Both he and his wife prided themselves in supporting their daughter Melanie. He was always at every event that Melanie was involved in regardless of the event smiling and cheering for her. When Melanie married Burton, Ernie finally had the son that he had longed for.In 1985, he was blessed to be with Melanie when she had an emergency C-Section and delivered his first grandchild Christopher. In the early years Christopher and Papaw were inseparable and then in 1988 his granddaughter Taylor was born and he knew that his life was complete. As retired grandparents Ernie and Jan were there for anything that occurred that involved their children or grandchildren. He worshipped them and would do anything for them. It wasn’t surprising that he would make an awesome Papaw to his five great grandchildren. He was thrilled watching them grow up and was anxious every time he knew they were dropping by for a visit. He had a secret stash of Jelly Beans and Peppermints for his great grandkids and they would make a run for his room for the secret stash every time they came to see him.The past six years Ernie and Jan lived with Melanie and Burton at their home. This is where so many memories were made as his legacy continued to grow. He was available to see his grandkids and great grandkids more frequently. He loved watching the great grandchildren play especially this last year as they learned to swim. We can’t forget about his love for the pets at the house, the five dogs were constantly surrounding him giving him unconditional love.The traits that he instilled in his family will allow his legacy to continue. He never wanted his family to want as he did as a child. He worked very hard for everything he had and has built a foundation of values that will continue through his family generations.Ernie is survived by his wife, Janis Clay Keating; daughter and son-in-law, Melanie Keating Black and Burton Ronald Black; grandson and fiancé, Christopher Michael Black and Taylor Brittany Moreno; granddaughter and husband, Taylor Ryan Hanes and Mickey Lynn Hanes; great-grandchildren, Sophia Blake Moreno, Walker Nolan Hanes, Casen Michael Black, Lucas Sawyer Moreno, and Cannon Lucas Hanes. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.Ernie’s family is heartbroken that he is no longer with us but are forever grateful for the almost 90 years that he spent here on earth. His stories, his love, his willingness to give advice or just listen is going to be greatly missed.The family will receive friends and family from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at Restland Funeral Home. Please stop by the reception desk and the funeral home staff will escort you back to state rooms C-D. The funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at the Abbey Chapel at Restland Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations in his name to the “Chapel Fund” of Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church at 1015 Sam Rayburn Parkway, Allen, Texas 75013.
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