Lawrence M. Keating (1947–2023)
Lawrence (Larry) M. Keating, 75, of St. Louis, MO, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sept. 13, 2023.
He was born in Saint Louis, MO in 1947 to James Patrick and Delores T. Keating, and grew up with his three brothers and two sisters in North Saint Louis County. Larry was a 1966 graduate of Riverview Gardens High School and Northeast Missouri State (cum laude).
He is a Vietnam War combat veteran and served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1970 in the 23rd Infantry (Americal Division), 11th Brigade as a staff sergeant where he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Air Medal. After returning home, Larry began a distinguished 22 year career with the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department where he served in the 6th District, Canine Division, DEA, and the 1st District. He maintained a perfect pistol shooting record of “300” during the length of his career. Larry went on to serve as a sergeant with the Saint George Police Department, and then as Chief of Police of Linn Creek, Missouri.
Larry was a lifelong outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, and tending to their ponds and grounds at their home in DeSoto, Missouri.
Larry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn Kay Keating; his children. J.P. (Erica), and John (Mary); his beloved grandchildren Jimmy, Alex, Bobby, Madison, and Marlo.
A celebration of life will happen at a later date. The family will share details when available. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are appreciated.
KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY SERVICE.
I used to work with Larry when he was in the k-9 Section. He was always upbeat, a standup guy and very pleasant to work with. I will miss him.
Thank you for the kind words, Robert. We appreciate them.
It’s great to hear from the friends who my dad met and worked with along his journey.
We were always proud of him and his colleagues in the police department. 🙂
J.P. Keating
I consider Larry the “heart and Soul” of the police department. I got to work side-by side with the K-9 Unit and was always impressed by his professionalism. He was proud to wear the uniform.
You served the City proud, my friend.
Thank you for the kind words, Dan.
It’s so great to hear from the friends who my dad met and worked with along his journey.
We were always proud of him and his colleagues in the police department. 🙂
Thank you, again!
J.P. Keating
Kay,
I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was a wonderful man, a great friend to my father, a true policeman, father and husband. Just an all around great person that will be missed by so many. I am sure him and my daddy are having great conversation telling stories of the “old days”! They are the reason I became a police officer!!! You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
~Major Janice (Cheney) Bockstruck
Thank you for the kind words, Janice. It means a lot.
I remember your dad fondly and all the good times the old boys had together in K-9 all those years ago. What a crew! 🙂
J.P. Keating