Keaton Lawson came to West Point well equipped to hone his skills as a leader. An Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow, he was the top 10% of his high school class, was voted “most talented,” and was active in his church with activities including “Youth for Christ” and the all-region choir.

As cadets, we remember Keaton, known fondly as “The Tone”, from the very beginning–Beast Barracks. He quickly distinguished himself as a leader amongst his peers. He was the experienced one, the confident one, the driven one who possessed a level of maturity and willingness to help others. He also had a leg up, following in the footsteps of his cousin, MAJ Lawson, USMA 1966. Throughout Plebe year, Keaton was a good friend, an impressive rival, a mischievous wit, and an outstanding soldier. He had a goal and he never let up. Whatever he did—and he did a lot—he did with a force and determination which made him stand out. At the same time, he shared with us his worries and woes, and listened to our problems with an understanding, healing humor.

Keaton was an all-around cadet and outgoing person who believed in participating in as many endeavors as possible. These endeavors included French Club, the Marathon Club (from which he took the title of “the incredible running machine“), the Cadet Glee club, and a host of religious activities including a Protestant Sunday school teacher and a member of the Protestant Chapel Choir. One would think that with so many extracurricular activities on his schedule that his studies and personal life would suffer, but that was not the case. Routine compromise was not a characteristic that Keaton Lawson knew. During Glee Club trips, he was the core around which we united in search of great spirits and good fun. Keaton was our musical anchor keeping us in tune and working hard.

“We can be comforted knowing that, when our time comes, the choir of angels awaiting us all has his great voice to welcome us home.” – Doug Dribben, ‘83

Amongst the Lawson lore was the tale of the final Physics Term End Exam (TEE). The Tone prophesied that he would finish the final Physics TEE in 20 minutes. Some remember taking a lot more than 20 minutes on that TEE. “I was throwing every formula I could think of on the page in the hope that something would stick.” – Cheryl Connors, ’83. Others lamented that their Physics ‘P’ actually passed “negative poop”—in other words, they knew less walking out of class than they knew walking in. Keaton, of course, breezed through it with a flourish…or was it the EE TEE?

Even with all his extracurriculars and academics, Keaton always had time for fun and kept us amused with fantastic tales of a weekend past or plans for a future outing. With the constant pressures of Cadet Life, it was easy to feel isolated and on the outside of life’s mainstream, but Keaton helped us realize that we should not sit back and allow the world to pass us by. He showed us that we should “go for it” and enjoy life as much as possible. We would often shake our heads and wonder where he got the energy to do it all. He lived in a crowded, hurried, demanding, vital life that demonstrated amazing potential.

“I remember a young man of resilience, good humor, understated intellect, sincere warmth. He was an easy guy to be around; he fit in wherever he was. If Keaton was uncomfortable you'd hear it in a joke and laugh with him about it. God bless our brother.” – Clint Allen, ‘83

Keaton Lawson was taken from us far too soon. On June 3, 1982, while we were still cadets less than one year from our graduation goal, we were shocked to find out that Keaton was gone. Even though God called him away far too soon, we are thankful for the laughter and the tears, the shower songs and a good-natured kidding by which we will always remember Keaton. He taught us that we should strive to do all that we can while we are here to make life better for others. He was “The Tone“ to some, the “Lawless One“ to others, and went by many other nicknames, but we foremost knew him as a friend. It is good to remember one of our classmates is on "the Advance Party" and that he is saving us a spot.

Those of us who were with Keaton realize that the sting of his absence will be profoundly felt. One consolation exists for those of privilege to have lived and worked with him. We cannot say good-bye. For us will always live his spirit of sharing, friendship, and love of life. Keaton was the kind of person who gave heartily of himself in every endeavor; and no one here may bear stronger testimony to this than his comrades in cadet life.

“He had a golden voice, you could hear him coming before you even saw him. His favorite was...

Arkansas , land of opportunity

Arkansas , oh what you do to me

Prettiest place I ever saw

Was back home in Arkansas.” -- Chris Kerski, ‘83