Steve J. Keaton (Wizard I) quietly slept away October 19, 2017 at the Louis Stokes Veterans Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

The eldest son of Frizell & Clara Keaton, born July 28, 1933.  The family moved to Akron in 1944, where he attended Akron Public Schools, graduating with honors.  He attended the University of Akron and, studied pre- med.

In August 1954, he married Galleana (Cook) Keaton and from that union 3 children were born; Forrest, Suansirhea, and Shelbra.

He was employed with B & W and US Postal services, until being drafted into the US Army.  After twenty-one years of service, retired ranking Sargent First Class E7, December 31, 1980. He returned to Akron to care for his parents.

He was full of wisdom, challenging you to think beyond the surface, he’d ask “what are you going to do about it” knowing you hold the answer if you looked deeper.  He could tell stories that kept us on the edge of our seat.  He lived his life on his own terms to the fullest and was a part of a band, his name; Saxophone Steve.  He also enjoyed all sports, family reunions, motor cycling, which he stopped riding at age the age of 80. Steve was an avid reader, enjoyed word search puzzles, darts; and Pac man, holding his highest score of 3,333,360 at the age of 82.

In 2001 Steve joined New Hope Baptist Church, was baptized becoming a faithful member until his health started to impact his life.

Preceded in death by grandmother Mary Keaton, brother Wilke Keaton, parents Frizell & Clara Keaton, great grandson Evan Blake McReynolds.  He is survived by sons, Stevie Keaton, Forrest Keaton of Columbus, OH; daughters Suansirhea Becton, Shelbra (David McNeil) Keaton of Akron; brothers, Minister Gordon (Erlane) Keaton, Michael Horn; sister Margaret Robinson all of Akron.  A host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends.