Brendan Charles Keeton

An adored, loved and cherished child of God, son of Randall Charles Keeton and Linda Lee Keeton, brother to Elise Marie Keeton Ware (Dylan Ware), nephew, cousin, grandson, great grandson, and friend.

Brendan was born in Chesterfield, Mo, five weeks premature, but a strong 6 lb, 5 oz healthy bundle of sweetness. He was so loveable that he had the complete devotion of his sister, Elise (Ellie) to attend to all his needs just by the point of a finger. Whatever he needed, Brendan would point and Ellie would retrieve. We didn't think he'd ever learn how to walk! Brendan was cuddly, never cried, full of curiosity, and learned very quickly.

EDUCATION: The only inside of a school that Brendan encountered before homeschooling was preschool and everyone, including his teacher, Mrs. Horn, got to know him well. She would often say how social he was, including times when he shouldn't be! Little Brendan at age 4, was a major socializer. We attributed it to what his Nanny prophesied over him, “That Brendan would grow up to be a mighty warrior for God someday”. Brendan was homeschooled over the next 8 years with Bible studies always being the start of every morning. He could sit and listen to God's Word for hours. All his curriculum was God-centered and introducing him to sports and music was easily achieved through our church affiliations. He was first introduced to music by taking piano lessons but found his true passion for the guitar. Brendan's love for the Lord grew through the power of music and as he got older, he loved ministering to the youth at our church. He had a heart for those who hurt and loved using music to uplift the spirits of those needing a smile. He played the guitar with passion and finesse. He later became part of the praise and worship team

for the youth group at Grace STL every 3rd Sunday. Bren, as we called him, was so honored to be invited to attend a conference with the Grace leaders team in Colorado. He had so much fun having the chance to go to Estes Park with some of the leaders, that they missed their flight but was able to catch another flight out in time to attend church service back home!

In 2015, Brendan enrolled in Greenville College studying music and since it was a God-centered school, his faith and relationship with God just expanded. He yearned for more of God and by the next year, both Brendan and his sister Elise (Ellie) attended YWAM (Youth With a Mission). They were taught as disciples to go out and preach the gospel and went on a mission's trip to India. Bren & Ellie were the 1st sibling duo to go on a mission to India in YWAM history. They experienced first hand how the power of God healed the sick, restored hearing to the deaf, heal the lame, through their faith in the laying on of hands & God's Word. Brendan returned with a fire to be a vessel for God to be used in any way possible. He prayed with strangers at gas stations, bought food and prayed with the homeless. He hated injustice & had a passion for the lost and hurting. He was gracious, kind, gentle and loving. He literally would freely give away any of his belongings if he knew it'd benefit someone else.

FAMILY: Brendan loved his family and was never exempt at saying, “I Love You”. He loved family get togethers and treasured the dinners just as much. He loved his mom's spicy chicken wings, sushi, his Gramma's Pancit & eggrolls, Ma Ma Sue's spaghetti, Aunt Deb & Uncle Marty's BBQ's. And, of course, no family get together would be complete without playing the traditional Keeton card game, “Pass the Trash”. He sure loved his video games and could hardly wait to challenge sis to a crash team racing match, hitting it off with a game of Metal Gear Solid with his Dad and absolutely adored playing Tekken with his friend Stoney Hunt, even if Stoney 'won' a lot of the time! He highly anticipated the days where Pa Pa Charlie would take him to the skate park. There, Brendan could show off his kick flips, heel flips, grinds and ollies.

TAE KWON DO: Brendan earned his black belt at a very young age in Shoryn Ryu AND in Tae Kwon Do. We will never forget how emotional Brendan became at that moment of achievement. Years of hard work and discipline for the final test had arrived and after breaking that board with his iron-clad fist, all the tears of joy just poured out of him. Such a proud moment.

FRIENDS: Brendan loved all his friends. He was loyal, caring, and always a source of help to any of his buds in need. He was an absolute goof-ball with his silly “Scream-O” songs. Whether it be just to lend an ear or ask to pray over them, Brendan was always there for his homies.

As quoted so beautifully by Brendan's good friend, “Your Energy, character and personality brought out the best in me, and the fun we always had, brought the laughter & joy, that made you being a homie/friend so special. Deep down, I will miss you as if it were yesterday when we first met, singing, 'Break Every Chain', or 'Let It Go' from your favorite movie, 'Frozen'. On Thursday night, go to Picasso's where you would perform on stage with your guitar and sing to gain the confidence to be a musician some day. Hopefully, God did make a musician in Heaven, and you are performing a show as I am writing this”. ~ Cody Vestal ~

We all will miss every aspect of Brendan, his crazy laugh, his antics, and kookiness, to his gentleness and ever-loving kindness. There will be an everlasting place in our hearts for our Bren Bren, a young man that cared and loved so deeply. But we rejoice in knowing that Jesus is holding you tightly, and soon, we will hear you sing again.

Our desire is for everyone to know that Brendan loved the Lord and His ministry. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages any and all donations be made in the name, Brendan Charles Keeton, to Grace STL Missions, 2695 Creve Coeur Mill Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Ph: 314-292-8300.