EDMUND V. "BUD" Age 90, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2012 at Sandia Springs Retirement Center in Rio Rancho, NM. He was born in Chicago, IL; Bud was the son of Rose C. and Michael E. Keehan. He was one of nine children. Bud graduated in 1939 from St. Leo High School in Chicago, IL. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard Keehan, William Keehan, both of Chicago, IL, Robert Keehan of Silver Spring, MD; sister, Marguerite of WI. He is survived by his sisters, Virginia R. Keehan, Mrs., Jeanne Hightower, both of Rio Rancho, NM, Mrs. Rosemarie Audet of Herndon, VA; brother, Michael and wife Marilyn of Chadds Ford, PA; many nieces and nephews, including Michael Hightower, Timothy Hightower, both of Albuquerque, and Dr. Stephen Hightower formerly of Rio Rancho, NM. He was an exceptional athlete and was under contract with a Chicago White Sox farm team in 1941. Shortly after the declaration of war by the United States in 1941, Bud enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on LST 376. He also served in underwater demolition during World War II. He was in many battles including the invasion of Southern France, Salerno, Italy and Africa. He received four bronze battle stars for his service. His pursuance of a career in professional sports was resumed after the war and he was signed by the Chicago Cubs and played for the Tacoma Tigers in 1947. Bud moved to New Mexico in 1951 for health reasons. He graduated with a Masters degree from the University of New Mexico in 1956. Bud's coaching career started at Belen High School and later Saint Mary's High School in Albuquerque and Bernalillo Junior High. Coaching was his love. He coached virtually all sports during his career and also taught science in junior high and high school. Coach Keehan had a great sense of humor and talked with great affection about his students and players and invested all his energy in helping his students and players live up to their potential, both on and off the field. The Rosary will be recited at 1:00 pm, with a Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at 1:30 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bud's honor to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albuquerque, NM at 505-881-0777, 3333 Truman Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. To view service information or leave a condolence, please visit: www.danielsfuneral.com Bud's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 87124 505-892-9920
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