Eugene Edward Keown

Eugene Edward Keown (Bud), born August 15, 1931, went to be with the Lord January 27, 2021. He is now dancing in heaven forevermore with the love of his life, Virginia, who preceded him death in 2011. He was also preceded in death by his granddaughter Melissa in 1985. He is survived by his children; Matthew Keown, Gina Keown, Jerri Ann Livingston, Rita Wells and their spouses; Michelle Keown, Ruben Hernandez, and Shannon Wells. His grandchildren; Matthew, James, Mark, Lyndsey, Miranda, and Zachary.

To his friends and family, he was Bud. To his grandkids he was Pop-Pop. And to us kids he was dad. Our dad was a strong and very proud man. Proud of his service in the Air Force from 1949 to 1957. Proud of his education, earning an associate degree in communications. Proud to be a longtime partner for Alpha Communications, a local business from 1976 to 1991. Proud to be the husband of a most beautiful woman we called mom. Proud of his children and the adults they had become. Proud of his grandkids and grateful to have been able to watch them all grow up.

Our dad loved to laugh and make jokes. He loved his life and sharing it will all those he loved. We will miss that laugh, his smile, and his crazy antics so much. He had an opinion about everything, and usually shared it. If you know anything about my dad, that will make you smile. He was a funny guy with a lot of character and passion for what he believed. Most important, everything he did, was for our mom, us kids, and his grandkids and family, which included his closest friends.

There is so much more we could share about dad, but if you knew him, you already know what kind of man he was. We are all sad to be here without him, but he would want us to remember all the good times and laughs that we were all very fortunate to have with him while he was alive. Sharing stories about him, laughing, and raising a beer is how we all pay tribute to him. That’s how he would want it.

He is at peace now in heaven with our mom. They never wanted to be apart and now have an eternity to share with each other. Love you dad. Miss you.

A donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital would be appreciated in memory of Bud, in lieu of flowers, if you would like to do something. It was an organization that was close to his heart.