WEST LIBERTY, Ky. – Residents of this tight-knit Morgan County town are reeling from the unexpected death of Donnie Keeton, a man widely regarded as the heart and soul of the community.
Keeton, whose age has not been publicly released, passed away suddenly earlier this week, leaving friends and neighbors stunned by the abrupt loss of someone who was a constant source of kindness and support.
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“Donnie was the kind of person who made you believe people are still good,” said longtime neighbor Brenda Lewis. “If your car wouldn’t start, your porch needed fixing, or you just needed someone to talk to, Donnie showed up, no questions asked.”
Described repeatedly as selfless and dependable, Keeton was known for quietly checking on elderly residents, helping families move, clearing snow from driveways in winter, and lending tools or a strong back whenever needed, often before anyone thought to ask.
“He never wanted recognition,” said friend Tommy Adkins. “He’d just grin, say ‘it ain’t no big deal,’ and get to work. That was Donnie.”
News of his passing spread quickly through text messages, front-porch conversations, and social media posts, with dozens of residents sharing stories of how Keeton had touched their lives in small but meaningful ways.
A makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes has grown outside his home on Prestonsburg Street, where neighbors continue to stop by to pay respects and comfort one another.
While details surrounding his death remain private at the request of the family, those close to Keeton say the suddenness has made the grief especially heavy.
“Donnie was always the one helping everybody else through hard times,” Lewis said, fighting back tears. “Now we’re all trying to figure out how to get through this without him.”
Funeral arrangements are pending, but community members say they plan to honor Keeton’s memory with acts of service in the coming weeks, continuing the spirit of generosity he lived by every day.
“Donnie showed us how to be better neighbors,” Adkins said. “The best way to remember him is to keep being the kind of friend he was to all of us.”
The family has asked for prayers and privacy as they grieve.