David Lee Keaton

David "Dave" Lee Keaton

December 3, 1948 – June 7, 2025

David Lee Keaton, known affectionately to many as Dave, passed away on June 7, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 76. His final years were marked by resilience, having spent more than four years in assisted living facilities and hospitals following a stroke in January 2021.

Dave was born on December 3, 1948, in Southern California, where he developed a lifelong love for the beach. Raised with a strong sense of independence, mischief, and creativity, he graduated from William Neff High School in 1967 and soon after joined the U.S. Air Force. He proudly served his country from 1968 to 1972, including service during the Vietnam War.

Throughout his career, Dave worked in and around sales and management across a variety of industries, bringing his signature energy, charisma, and competitive spirit to every role.

In his youth, Dave was an avid athlete-playing football, baseball, and basketball-and a natural performer. In the 1970s, he participated in numerous dance performances and competitions alongside his first wife, Tarie. He was also a skilled water skier, notorious for dousing onlookers with his signature "rooster tail." Later in life, he played beach volleyball until injuries slowed him down-but never stopped him from enjoying games of any kind. Dave could turn even a casual family board game into a fierce competition, much to everyone's amusement (and occasional frustration). His competitive spirit seemed to be genetic and he enjoyed attending the competitions and performances of his children and grandchildren in their respective activities: swimming, softball, track & field, band, and ice hockey.

Dave had an undeniable gift for creativity-free-hand drawing, arts and crafts, and tackling any home project with his hands and heart. If something needed building, fixing, or beautifying, Dave was your guy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Betty Keaton; his siblings, Michael Keaton and Barbara Cosper; and his son, David Keaton.

He is survived by his wife, Christine Ang, and by his children: Erin Keaton, Molly Keaton, Gage Ang-Keaton, and Aja Ang-Keaton (and her husband Rhys Wells). Dave also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Ian Roach (and his wife Baylei), and Keith and Shea Dismuke. He is also remembered by his first wife, Tarie MacMillan, and her family.

At the request of his wife, no public services will be held. A small ceremony celebrating Dave's life will take place at the home of his daughter, Molly, with close friends and family members in attendance.

Donation information, if you'd like donations in lieu of flowers: StrokeRecoveryFoundation.org and ElderAbuse.org