Lyle Keating

Our beloved family patriarch, Lyle Paul Keating left us on January 16th, 2022 at approximately 7:17 p.m. to join his heavenly Father in paradise. We know, in our hearts, that he fought to stay with us with all that he was. But our Lord and Saviour had different plans and called his name to come home and Paul answered His call.
If there was ever a time, in our lives, that we can, truly, say that our hearts are shattered into a million tiny pieces...that time is now for our family. The heartache seems unbearable and we know that only our faith in God will see us through this if we lean on Him.

Paul is survived by his beautiful wife, Hazel Marie Fleitas Keating of 48 years, his three amazing children, Lyle Paul Keating Jr., Joseph Octave Keating, and Cheryl Lyn Keating Maggio, and his cherished grandchildren, Hannah, Aiden, Waylon, Kinley, Sammy, and Addison. Paul was a devoted husband, father and grandfather until his final breath.
Paul was born on June 17th, 1954 to Lawrence David Keating Sr. and Shirley Marie Helm Keating. Lawrence was born in Blond, LA and Shirley was born in Gonzales, Texas. Paul was one of seven children that this beautiful couple were graced with. They resided in Covington, LA and enjoyed a simple country lifestyle for their entire childhoods. Paul's life, from beginning to end, was spent on that same piece of ground and it is the only place on earth that he ever called home. Getting him to leave, even for a day or two, was almost impossible.

Seven children played, worked, occasionally fought, made up, defended each other, got into more than their fair share of mischief, and worshiped side by side with the guidance of their loving parents. Paul's  siblings include Lawrence David Keating Jr., Michael Gene Keating, Charlie Marty Keating, Chloe Lorraine Keating Lloyd, Martha Evelyn Keating Batcho and Daisy Marie Keating Drakeford.

Paul and Hazel were also blessed by their children's spouses, by their in-laws, "adopted" grandchildren, far too many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends to name. They had an absolute village of loved ones in their lives and in their home throughout the years. Their door was always open. Love between this family, both blood and chosen, has always been unquestionable and undeniable.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved parents, and all of his brothers. He grieved the loss of each and every one and was only comforted by knowing that they were together and happy in the kingdom of God. He spoke of them all quite often and was always eager to share their memory through stories of his youth.

If our tears could have saved Paul we would have filled an ocean before the last drop fell. If the love that was felt for him by his family and friends was enough to heal him, somehow, we would have found one more ounce of love to give to him. If we could have taken his pain away we would have each taken a piece to carry for him and instead of him. We would have done anything for him and he never hesitated to do anything for others. He was loving, compassionate, selfless, funny, kind, giving, protective, and always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was quick to anger in the face of injustice, cruelty, and disrespect. He always followed his heart and lead by example.

We will miss you, Paul, more than you know. Until we meet, again, we will carry you in our hearts, keep your memory alive, and know that you are safe in His loving arms. We rejoice in knowing there will be no more pain or sorrow...no more heartache for you...only unimaginable joy. We know you will be watching over us all and we will work hard to keep making you proud. If only we could know how you felt when you gazed upon your Father's face, in Heaven, and heard Him say to you.. "Rest easy, Son, a job well done." We can only imagine His glory but you, Paul, know it, now, firsthand. Knowing that, in itself, is how we will find the peace we need to heal our broken hearts... someday. Forever and always...we will always love you.

Family and friends are invited to attend Funeral Services on Monday January 24, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bagnell & Son Funeral Home 75212 Hwy 437 Covington, Louisiana 70435 with visitation from 12:00 p.m. until service time.