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Robert Edward Keating

Dec. 18, 1934 - Feb. 23, 2024

Date of Service: Mar. 2, 2024

BURLEY – Robert Edward “Bob” Keating, an 89-year-old resident of Burley, Idaho, passed away in his home on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Bob was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, on December 18, 1934, to Donald Jeremiah and Elin Rolfe Keating. During his childhood, their family moved from Iowa to St. Charles, Illinois, then Momense, Illinois, and landed in Nashville, Tennessee, where Bob spent his teenage years. He graduated from Father Ryan High School in 1952, where he was junior and senior class president.

In 1956, he graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in chemical engineering. That June, he began working as a process engineer and program manager for Thiokol Corporation in Huntsville, Alabama. Two years later in 1958, Bob was transferred to the new plant in Brigham City, Utah, where he met and married Sydna. Bob married Sydna Jensen on March 28, 1959, in the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together they were blessed with two beautiful daughters: Marie in 1960 and Celia in 1962. In Bob’s words, “They are the light of my life.”

During his 38-plus years at Thiokol, Bob was involved with the startup of the Brigham City plant and Air Force Plant 78. He worked on several major Air Force missile systems. Bob was active in Brigham City’s civic organizations, serving in the Jaycees, the Planning and Zoning Committee, and was a city councilman from 1964-1968. He was also active in the Republican party as a city, county, and state delegate. He was a member of the Catholic Church.

After retirement in 1999, Bob and Sydna moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they enjoyed attending classical music concerts, the theatre, and libraries. During this time, they traveled extensively throughout the United States, Central America, Europe, and Asia. In 2014, they moved to Burley, Idaho, to be near Celia and her family. They continued to travel, though more locally.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sydna; daughter, Celia (Danny) Turner; son-in-law, Byron Clark; grandchildren, Lindsey (Kevin) Crouch, Brock (Adrienne) Turner, Cameron (Jessica) Turner, and Allison (Preston) Turner-Kamp; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, William Keating of Largo, Florida, Donald Keating of Clearwater, Florida, and Richard (Laura) Keating of Largo, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marie Keating Clark; a granddaughter, Lydia Rachel Clark; and his parents.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where a viewing for family and friends will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 1, and one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Bear River City Cemetery in Bear River City, Utah.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/Rg38D007Jck.

Listen to the Service:

Condolences for Robert Edward Keating

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Coni Keating:

I loved my Uncle Bob very much...
He was a kind, caring and giving man, who was there for his family at time of need.
I am so saddened to hear about his passing, almost a year later.
Rest In Peace Uncle Bob,
Coni

From Sharon Rytting :

I always enjoyed visiting with Bob and Sydna at Anderson Family reunions. They are a wonderful couple and they loved each other so much. May his family have peace and comfort at this time.

From Doug Turner :

My heart goes out to Sydna, Celia and your families during this difficult time. Bob will be missed, but his positive influence will never be forgotten.

From Mona Dudley:

Sydna and family, I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. May God lift you up and give you peace.

From Mona Dudley:

Sydna and family, I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. May God lift you up and give you peace.

From Joe and Linda Petersen:

Sydna, we are so sorry. Whenever we would visit, Bob was always so kind and welcoming. You are both very special people.

From Sheila B. Adams:

I was interested to see other remembrances of Bob being meticulous. A perfect description. I remember selling Bob and Sydna their home on the river. Every detail was checked and confirmed. Last time I saw him he was reading labels in the grocery. My sympathy to all.

From Jennifer Moline Jensen:

I’m so sorry to hear this about your father, he sounds like a wonderful man. God bless you.

From David Parker:

Uncle Bob was so warm and welcoming whenever we would visit. He loved to visit with Dad since they shared aerospace and Jensen in-laws. He was an intelligent and wise man whom I will never forget for his loving acceptance and good nature.

From Carla Heward:

Sydna and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. May you have comfort and peace and feel the love of those who care.

From Barbara West:

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to get to know Bob. He was kind and gentle, meticulous in all that he did. He was so attentive to detail. I loved to see how he thought and his experiences that he shared with me. Bob was kind and supporting of Sydna and cared for her in such a loving way. You will be missed Bob. Sincerely, Barbara.

From David and TaraLee Jackman :

We are sorry to hear about the loss of your father and grandfather. We enjoyed visiting with him when our two families met together.

From Lottie Hurst :

Sending love and prayers of comfort , to the family of a very special friend ,such a kind man

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