William Edward Keton, Jr.

Bill was born in Waco, Texas to the late William Sr. and Monaldi Keton of Keton’s Bakery in Waco. Billy, as he was known then, attended St. Mary’s and Reicher Catholic schools as well as Waco High. He joined the Navy in 1959 and became a Gunners Mate traveling all over the world on Naval ships. Upon leaving the Navy, he attended TSTI, and began working for Huck Manufacturing as a Machinist. He later changed careers and began driving trucks. He started out on his own then went on to have a long driving career with companies like Solar King, J.B. Hunt, Schneider, Gemini, and Loves.  He earned many years of safe driving awards until his retirement when his body could no longer keep up with the demands of the job. 

Bill loved motorcycles and old cars, especially Corvettes. He was an original member of the Waco Corvette Club. He enjoyed spending time with friends, family and riding his motorcycle. Bill was also a long-time member of Waco HOG. Later in life he enjoyed playing bingo and would attend Buckeye Bingo on Mondays.

Bill was a giant of a man, standing at 6’8”. Many people feared him, and probably with good reason, but he was also a kind man, with a giant heart, who looked out for his friends and family and was always there in their time of need. He would go out of his way to help out friends and loved ones. He answered to many names; Bill, Big Bill, Snowshoes, Bubba, Uncle Bubba, Dad, and Paw-paw.

He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, attending Saturday evenings where he sat on the same pew as he did when he attended with his mom when she was living.

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