Joseph Keith Guinan

J. Keith Guinan (90) passed away peacefully at his home in Houston, Texas, on May 30, 2025.

Keith was born on February 27, 1935, in Denver, Colorado, to Gabrielle Huot Guinan and Edward Joseph Guinan. He is lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Mary and Nancy (Paul); his cherished grandson and namesake, Joseph; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He now reunites with his adored wife, Leona, and his siblings Gregory, Edward, and Gabrielle, who passed before him.

Keith’s early years were rooted in faith, family, and community. He attended St. Ignatius Loyola grade school—a school his mother and grandmother were instrumental in establishing; they tirelessly petitioned the Denver Bishop for a much-needed Catholic elementary school. Classes began in the basement of the church.  He later attended Saint Joseph High School, where he “balanced” his studies with a deep love for skiing in the Colorado Rockies. Eventually, after perhaps one too many missed Friday classes, the nuns gently encouraged him to transfer to East High School, where he graduated in 1953. Keith often joked that the move gave him “friends all over town.”

Despite his casual attitude toward early academics, he never took lightly his love and devotion to the Catholic faith. Keith was given a scapular medal by one of the Sisters of Charity, his favorite seventh-grade teacher, and he faithfully wore it every day of his life with instructions to be buried wearing it.

After high school, Keith enlisted in the Navy Reserve and was called to active duty from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War. He proudly served aboard the aircraft carrier Bonhomme Richard as a communications specialist. Some of his fondest memories came from his time serving his country and cemented his love for our nation.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Keith attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, on the G.I. Bill, where he earned a BS in Finance, with a minor in History. He later earned a Master’s degree in Finance from Stanford University. While still on campus, he interviewed with Continental Oil Company (Conoco) and received a job offer to start immediately after graduation. He spent his professional career at Conoco and met the love of his life, Leona, in the Conoco cafeteria.

Keith and Leona married in 1963 and built a beautiful life together. With every new role and promotion at Conoco, the family moved from coast to coast, making memories in each new place. Keith eventually became Treasurer of Douglas Oil, Conoco’s largest subsidiary—a role he truly loved. He often said that because of the friendships he made ‘it never felt like work’.

Keith retired in The Woodlands, Texas, where he enjoyed the community for nearly 30 years. He later moved into a senior retirement apartment, where he formed many friendships, particularly with his best friend Ralph Mishler, who lived next door.

We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to the people who made our dad’s final months peaceful and full of love.  To Corinne Oppermann – thank you for your loving support, wise counsel, and many visits to bring him the Eucharist. To Sheyi Idowu and Jakin Healthcare – your commitment to compassionate care and the way in which you flawlessly coordinated our dad’s in-home care with a servant’s heart was unlike anything we experienced previously.  And to his two round-the-clock caregivers, Kelli Tijani and Ejiro Edewor - two of the finest people we have ever known, who provided compassion, care, and friendship with unwavering patience. And finally, our deepest thanks to Daniel Hernandez and the team at Brookdale Memorial City, who treated our dad with kindness and respect, making his 10 years as an independent living resident truly special.

Keith’s life was defined by love—for his family, his faith, his country, and his work. His humor, warmth, and wisdom touched so many, and he leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength and enduring devotion. We are grateful for every moment we had with him and take comfort in knowing that he is at peace.

A Rosary will be held on June 11, 2025 at 9:15am at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E 10th St. in Houston, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00am. Family and friends are invited to attend a reception at Spanish Flowers, 4701 N Main St., at 11:15am. Burial will take place the following day, June 12, 2025 at 9:30am at Houston National Cemetery (10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038)

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Star of Hope.
 

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