Richard Madison Keeney

Surviving are two children, Sean M. (Trish) and Amy Grissen (Justin); his brother, Michael (Liz) and his grandchildren, Christian (Olivia, betrothed), Mason Couch (Jacalyn), Carson Speaks (Jackson), Charlie, Ruthie Grissen and Greer Grissen, to whom he was “Daddy Keeney”. He also had numerous cousins, nephews and nieces who all loved him dearly.

Born Oct. 4, 1949, in Ironton, Ohio, he was a graduate of Bel Air High School in Baltimore, MD and Virginia Commonwealth University, where he majored in Art Education. He was a former salesperson with Equitable Shipyards and Capital Valve & Fitting Co., founder of several businesses including Forever Cookware, FireStop International, and Lifetime Construction. He was a past owner and former Chairman of Walle Corp. Since 1975, Richard was owner and President of J.T. Gibbons, which he grew to become an international export company, Gibbons International, doing business in the Middle East, Central and South America and parts of Europe where he frequently traveled.

He moved to New Orleans in 1972 and called it home. He was an avid golfer and longtime member of New Orleans Country Club. He was a Master Mason in Louisiana Lodge #102 F.&A.M., a 32nd Scottish Rite Mason in the New Orleans Scottish Rite and a Noble in the Jerusalem Shrine Club. Richard was a brother, father, grandfather, cousin, uncle, and friend. His skill at telling jokes and positive outlook was sure to lift the spirits of all with whom he crossed paths. He was always helpful to a friend in need with words of advice. He will be greatly missed.

In May, Richard was baptized as a public profession of his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. After a courageous battle with cancer, we rejoice that he is finally healed and at home with his Heavenly Father. The family wishes to give special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Tulane Hospital and Cancer Center for their loving care as well as Richard’s many friends that prayed for and supported him throughout his treatment.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Richard’s honor be made to the American Cancer Society or Shriners Hospitals for Children. His remains will be interred at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery’s All Saints Mausoleum with his father (Cecil) and mother (Ruth), who preceded him in death.