Tom was born on the 11th of February 1948, in Caracas, Venezuela. He spent his formative years in Caracas, Mexico City, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tom attended Staunton Military School in Virginia for junior high and high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Economics at Oklahoma University, Norman Oklahoma. After graduation, Tom was drafted into the Army and stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
After the service, Tom made his home in Houston and worked for Coastal Corporation. During this time, Tom found a passion for motorcycle riding, competing in marathons and triathlons and working out at Hank’s Gym. Tom was one of the founders of the Triathlon Association of Houston. He left Coastal in 1992 to establish his own CPA firm.
He met his wife, Becky Rush while working on a charity event for the American Lung Association. They spent a lot of time doing volunteer activities as well as at Tom’s beach house in Bolivar. Spending time at the beach was one of his true passions. They were married in 1993 and blessed with twins, Richmond and Vanessa in 1998. His kids were the love of his life and he actively supported them in all their activities and interests, especially sailing at the Houston Yacht Club and Boy Scouts.
Tom was diagnosed 13 years ago with early onset Alzheimer’s and it was a long journey. The family wants to especially thank, Maria Quintanilla, for her loving care of Tom over the years. With her help and support, he was able to remain at home until the end.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Becky Rush; and their children, Richmond and Vanessa Keeling; his brother, Tim (Robbie) Keeling; sisters, Kathy Pearse and Barbara (Jeff) Steen; brother, Martin Keeling; step-mother, Frines Keeling; and nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jon Brasel Keeling and his father, Joseph Keeling.
Due to Covid, there will be no memorial service. The family will hold a small family celebration of life in the near future.
The family has asked for any memorials to be sent to the ACLU (aclu.org), St. Luke’s United Methodist Pure Sound Youth Choir (www.stlukesmethodist.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association of Houston and Southeast Texas (alz.org/Texas).
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