Aubert “Bob” Lee Keaton, 87, of Princeton, WV, passed away Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Born July 11, 1939, in Princeton, he was the son of the late Wilbur Carlos Keaton and Pansy Mae Campbell Keaton.

Shortly after graduating from Athens High School, Bob proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in Wrightstown, NJ, where he and Mickie raised their three daughters. It was during his military service that he earned the nickname “Buster Keaton.” In 1965, he served in the Vietnam War as a flight engineer on the first Spooky Douglas AC-47 Gunship, later famously known as “Puff the Magic Dragon.” Following a harrowing mission in 1969, Bob was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement.

After serving more than 22 years, Bob retired from the Air Force in 1980 as a Master Sergeant Flight Engineer on the C-141A aircraft. He returned to Princeton with his beloved wife and family, where he embarked on a second career as a machinist at Downard Hydraulics until his retirement in his 60s.

Bob enjoyed reading the newspaper—cover to cover—every day, working on the family farm, taking scenic drives, attending the WV State Fair, vacationing, listening to country and bluegrass music, and gathering with his local friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Michalene Jo “Mickie” Keaton, and his brother, Carlos Richard Keaton.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters: Lisa Lambert and husband, Jerry, of Princeton; Lori Carver and husband, Joel, of Merritt Island, FL; and Karen Bruchstein and husband, David, of New Bern, NC; grandchildren: William Lambert and wife, Emily; Joshua Lambert and wife, Jessica; Cassie Tunstalle; Ashley Bruchstein; and Anna Bruchstein; as well as his great-grandchildren: Jet, Josiah, Lilli, Ryan, Traver, Ellie, and Laynie.

Services to celebrate the life of Bob Keaton will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Memorial Funeral Directory Chapel in Princeton, with Pastor C.T. Lilly officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the service hour at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com.

The Keaton family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on Athens Road in Princeton.