She Finds Humor Everywhere

SAN ANGELO, TX — The story of Piccolo the Clown will brighten your day. It is the clown character that Kathy Keaton uses to bring joy and happiness to children in area hospitals. She presented her story to the monthly luncheon of the Concho Cadre Monday afternoon.

Kathy Keaton is in a list of organizations that focus on the city, helping others, and speaking publicly.  She has received awards and accolades across the miles she has driven within the country. Kathy's husband was with the military and went on trips for his work.  At this time in her life, options for social acceptance as a woman meant you became a teacher, a secretary, or stayed a housewife. 

While her siblings went to college as music majors Kathy chose the latter path, that of housewife.  But what does a housewife do?  She chose to become a clown  She chose to do become something she didn't see, doing things that people didn't do.  She began to visit children in the hospital in San Antonio where she and her husband were stationed.  Kathy went a few times, but, sitting in her car one day she decided this is it.  She thought, I am not dressing up as a clown and doing this again after today, after all, no one asked me to do this, no one expects me to, and it's hard.  It is hard to look at these children who are sick, scarred and hurt.  Besides, who am I to offer these children comfort? 

So determined she got out of her car, she walked into the hospital, and she boarded an elevator - where another woman, who had been crying joined her.  The woman stranger told Kathy that her husband had just been flown in, injured.  She asked if Kathy would visit her husband, and Kathy thought, what could a kind person say to that? Of course she visited him after she finished with the children.  But what would she do, say? Clowns are for children.  And she had already decided this was the last time.

After finishing with the children Kathy went to the floor where the injured adult soldier was.  She was wracked with thoughts- what do I do?  What do I say? And the doors opened and gathered were nurses, family and others expecting her arrival, as the soldiers wife had let everyone know that the clown was coming.  At this moment Piccolo the clown, the humorist, took over... Kathy, no Piccolo, grabbed a chair, stood on it and with the kazoo her uncle had fashioned onto a funnel, a pvc pipe and decor surremptiosly played, "The Marine's Hymn."  The soldier's face lit up, a smile spread on his face and Kathy left.

She continues as she has for the last 18 years guiding people to find the humor in life entertaining children and adults. She continues to be a bold leader and community member and today she can add to all those accolades accorded her by organizations such as Toastmaster's, Rotary Club, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and others this title- role model and inspiration.

You find out more information about both Kathy and Piccolo by visiting her website .

Do you know a local legend that you think deserves recognition? Please send in an email to [email protected]