Keaton "Beef" James McDermott
May 3, 2006 ~ June 23, 2024
Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, 18 of Philippi, West Virginia, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024. The son of Ronnie and Holly McDermott, He was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on May 3, 2006.
Keaton lived life to the fullest to bring laughter and love to everyone around him. He loved sports, weightlifting, time with family and friends, helping others, and worship. As a graduate of Philip Barbour High School’s Class of 2024, Keaton was captain of the football team, receiving first team all-state accolades, as well as playing in the North-South All Star Football Classic and the Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis. Keaton’s athletic prowess was also evident in discus and shot-put, where he won Regionals and qualified for State in track and field. He was looking forward to competing at the collegiate level at West Virginia Wesleyan College in the fall. Keaton was known as an all-star athlete, but also excelled academically, earning the West Virginia Promise Scholarship.
As a faithful member of Young Life of Barbour County, Keaton was strong in his faith and shared that testimony with others to follow that same path. He will always be remembered for the way he found the best in people and included everyone around him. Keaton’s spirit will live on forever in his family, friends, and community. We all should LOVE LIKE KEATON.
Keaton is survived by his parents, Ronnie and Holly (Poling) McDermott, his sister, Kinsley McDermott, grandparents, Jim and Mary Poling, girlfriend, MaKenzie Shahan, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James Ronald and Joyce McDermott.
Visitation hours will be at Philip Barbour High School (PBHS) gymnasium from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The Celebration of Life service will begin at 2:00 PM in the gymnasium. Please wear Colt attire and colors.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Young Life of Barbour County.
Checks, which are preferred, may be made out to “Young Life” and can either be dropped off at the service on Saturday or mailed to: Young Life, PO BOX 141, Philippi, WV 26416. Donations may also be made by using the link provided.
giving.younglife.org/barbourcounty
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Another life taken too soon in our community. Sending love, hugs amd prayers to his family, friends and our community.
So deeply sad for this loss! What an amazing legacy-LOVE LIKE KEATON. May we all carry that forward in his honor!
With our sincere condolences the students of the Strutters Baton and Dance Team want to remind the family we are thinking of them during this difficult time and we only continue cheering on AKA “Beef” Keaton every time we look up into the clouds
Ronnie, Holly and the entire family,
Our thoughts, prayers and love is with all of you. Keaton was truly an amazing young man that touched so many.
Liz, Greg, Brandi, Logan & Garrett
Phillips
Strictly a friend of someone from the community… I live out of state… But my heart broke for everyone that loved and knew this young man… It is clear how much of a light Beef was… Lifting you all in prayer…
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Bernard and lucinda foster lit a candle
Prayers for the entire family
When I first met Keaton I called him little man. Boy didn’t he prove me wrong he was always smiling. So I know he is smiling down on all of us.
Holly, you and Your family are in my prayers. I pray God can comfort you in some way. I know you’re devastated and so many hearts are broken. I didn’t know Keaton but from the stories I have heard, you and Ronnie raised and outstanding young man. May his legacy live on in all who knew him. God Bless my friend
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Kyle & Sarah Bartlett lit a candle
Ron, Holly, Kinsley, Jim, Mary & Makenzie,
Keaton was this AWESOME attraction!! Like a Magnet, drawing everyone to him!! Humble, Kind, Funny, Giving, his compassion for others knew no bounds… Nothing can replace him in your hearts, but you have to be so very proud of who he was !!
So very sorry for such a great loss…prayers for all of you..
Our hearts are so heavy for your great loss. May God gave you comfort through this tragedy.
Praying for comfort and peace for the family and friends
Prayers for comfort and peace to all his family and friends.
We are so sorry for your loss. Keaton sounds like an amazing person. May God Bless you all with Grace, Peace and Comfort. Sending our best thoughts and much love.
Sending my condolence, Beef will always carry a special place in my heart. Prayers to all, until we meet again I will love like Keaton.
Keaton, you will truly be missed by so many. We will carry your name and legacy on forever. Until we meet again we will love like Keaton. Prayers for all.
I am a retired school assistant principal from Clarksburg, RCBHS I can only imagine the sorrow in the PBHS community and school family
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose”
God Bless
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Mike Fincham lit a candle
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Parker Herrod lit a candle
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Elaine Lawrence lit a candle
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
-Lynn, Lisa and Alexis Fortney
There are just no words to express our sorrow and the sorrow of our entire community. Keaton was a treasure and will be greatly missed by us all.
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Janie lit a candle
Prayers for your family
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you during this difficult time. May the Lord give you strength, comfort, and peace during the days ahead,
Heaven has a Special Angel . You will truly be missed.
I send my condolences to Makenzie and the Mcdermott family. Beef was a wonderful guy, and we will always remember him. Prayers. 🕊️🙏
My sincere condolences to Keaton & all his family. Prayers for all!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
With deepest sympathy, your family will be in my family’s thoughts and prayers. Love Like Keaton!
Christina and Aaden
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God wrap his loving arms around you in your time of sorrow. I didn’t know Keaton, but he must have been an amazing young man. God bless you and prayers.
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Kenny Keene lit a candle
Sending prayers for comfort during this devastating time and in the days to come. I am so sorry for your loss. Love and hugs
To the family and friends of Keaton, I cannot begin to know your sorrow. My heart is broken for all of you. Keaton was a bright light to everyone. He was strong in his faith and he shared Christ boldly with others every day. Keaton was a blessing and an encouragement to me and I will never forget him. My favorite memory is when he was on the stretcher during a football game and I walked over to him and very dramatically asked him if he was alright. He answered a little slower than normal, “I’m okay Mama Kristi, Imma (I’m going to ) be just fine. ” He’s certainly fine now in the presence of the God he loved and believed in. If anyone reading this doesn’t know Christ as their Saviour, find someone who can show you, from the Bible, how to believe like Keaton.
We are so terribly sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort during this time for your family.
We are so very sorry for your loss. It is clear that Keaton was a very kind young man that was loved by many! We will keep you in our thoughts for guidance during this difficult time
No parent should ever have to experience the pain of losing a child. My heart aches for you, and I hope you find strength in the love and support surrounding you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Julie Scott lit a candle
He was always so enthusiastic about throwing, it always made me strive to do better. I was blessed to know Keaton.
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Kelli Blake lit a candle
I had Keaton in class a few times when I was subbing. He was always kind and respectful. His classmates and friends would always speak so highly of him.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We are thinking of and praying for all of you.
Sending prayers and love I did not know this little guy but, my heart is deeply sorry for your loss and I will be praying for your family🙏🏻🙏🏻
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Susan Lundberg lit a candle
Praying for comfort for the family during this most difficult time. Hold onto all of those precious memories of Keaton 🙏💕may he rest in peace
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
He was a great kid, friend and teammate. He will be greatly missed and remembered in the highest regard, His spirit will live in eternity.
Rest in Peace
Our many thoughts, prayers and so much love to all the family, friends and loved ones
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this extremely difficult time.
Prayers sent
My heartfelt condolences to Keaton’s family. My thoughts and prayers for you at this difficult time and in the months ahead. Grief is a journey that can be overwhelming . God will be there for you. ❤️
Holly & family ~ my heart is broken from hearing such tragic news of your families loss. Over the years watching Keaton bloom and become a young man is a true inspiration. You and Ronnie raised a wonderful teen. Praying for you, Ronnie, your daughter, all family and friends during this difficult time. May God give you comfort in the days ahead. Love & prayers, Sandie Howell
I’m so sorry for your loss, I have no words for this fine young man who was on his way to a great future. Beef, redt easy guy you got this.
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Abby Stoner lit a candle
Just know your family is in our prayers.
“Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they have brought into our lives.”
Deepest condolences to you and your family.
Rest easy, kiddo. Your light will shine eternally.
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Daryan Graham lit a candle
May you shime bright in the sky as you gained your wings. You were always so kind and enjoyed all the conversations at Barbour lanes. To your family . I am so sorry.. life is unfair. Thank you for sharing the young life with all of us. May God find you the strength and comfort in this life. May God bless you. Rest in peace my friend.
Dear LORD This Young Man Passed Away Too Young Prayers Lifted Up For His Family and Friends at Philip Barbour and The Football Team
Rest In Heavenly Peace Keaton James McDermott
Holly, Ronnie & family, we are praying for you all during this difficult time. May the Lord guide you and lead you in the days ahead. Rest in him and know Keaton is at his side. We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. <3
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Patrick Richison lit a candle
Ronnie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Keaton sounds like such a great guy. He will always be remembered. Love and hugs to you all.
Holly, Ronnie, Kinsley and family,
We are so saddened to hear about the passing of Keaton.
What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. Keaton has touched so many life’s with his kindness, love for others, and contagious smile. He has made a difference in so many people’s lives and he will not be forgotten in your beautiful community.
We are wishing you and your family comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Kinsley, losing a sibling is an unimaginable loss. May you find strength in the memories you shared together and may his spirit guide you in the challenging days ahead.
Sincerely
Donna & Charlie Dowlen
So sorry for your loss. He was a big part of the community and will be missed by many. Prayers for peace and strength
In memory of Keaton “Beef” James McDermott, Gary and Jennifer Louk lit a candle
We are heartbroken at the loss of such a fine young man with a positive future. We can add our fervent prayers to the sorrow of his passing. We also pray for Holly, Ronnie and the entire family as they grieve.
May Keaton rest in the Bosom of our LORD for all eternity.
GOD BLESS
Joe & Pat Carriere