Remains of Korean War vet returning to Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The remains of a 20-year-old Army sergeant believed to have died more than 65 years ago during the Korean War are being returned to Tennessee for burial this week.
The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services said in a news release that Sgt. Bailey Keeton Jr. of Scott County was presumably killed Dec. 2, 1950, but his remains weren’t identified until 2015. The remains were discovered in 2004.
The release said identification was made through DNA testing using family reference samples and evidence.
Keeton’s remains are expected to arrive Thursday in Knoxville. Visitation will be Saturday in Oneida with a graveside service following.
Keeton is survived by his brothers, Ronald and Arnold Keeton, and sisters, Violet Davis and Doris Thompson.
Gov. Bill Haslam ordered flags at half-staff in Keeton’s honor Saturday.
