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Missing John Edwin Keyton 
Keyton, approximately 1973 Date reported missing : 08/03/1973 Missing location (approx) : Bridgewater, Virginia Missing classification : Endangered Missing Gender : Male Ethnicity : White Age at the time of disappearance: 81 years old Height / Weight : Unknown Medical conditions : Keyton is a dependent adult. Distinguishing characteristics, birthmarks, tattoos : Caucasian male. Keyton goes by the nickname Ed. His left leg is missing. Keyton is illiterate. Information on the case from local sources, may or may not be correct : Keyton was last seen driving his light green 1967 Ford Fairlane in Bridgewater, Virginia at approximately 12:00 p.m. on August 3, 1973. He was accompanied by his housekeeper, Flora Helmick, and Flora's sister, Martha, at the time. They were driving to a family reunion at the home of Keyton's brother in Dabolt, Kentucky; the event was scheduled for the following day. Keyton and the Helmick sisters never arrived and have never been heard from again. Keyton may have been carrying a Social Security check at the time of his disappearance; it was not worth more than $50. Keyton was not a good driver in 1973; he had been in at least one accident and received many traffic citations. His driver's license had been taken from him, but he continued to drive regardless. Some theorized he and the Helmick sisters were killed in an vehicular accident somewhere in the mountains of Virginia or Kentucky. If so, their remains and car were never found. Keyton served in the armed forces in World War I and won medals for heroism, but lost his left leg in battle. He was mentally affected by the war and had a reputation as an eccentric. Keyton was ruled incompetent by Rockingham Circuit Court in 1932 and a committee, or guardian, was appointed to look after his affairs. Keyton's committee in 1973 stated he would frequently leave the area without telling anyone. Sometimes during these absences he would visit relatives in Ohio. A search turned up no sign of the Helmicks or Keyton. Their cases remain unsolved. Other information and links : ncy Bridgewater Police Department 540-828-2611 September 2021 updates and sources The Doe Network The Danville Register October 12, 2004. November 3, 2007; middle name corrected, Age at the time of disappearance: added, Distinguishing characteristics, birthmarks, tattoos : and Information on the case from local sources, may or may not be correct : updated. |