Alan Keiran

Alan Keiran, 68, beloved man of God, faithful and loving husband, wonderful father, adored brother, true friend, went to His eternal home Dec. 11, 2020 with a “well done, good and faithful servant.” He battled Vascular Dementia for eight years with faith, dignity, and trust in his loving Heavenly Father. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Sally; children Jennifer (married to Jason Miller), John (engaged to Shannon Leon); grandchildren, Lily and Zachary; siblings: Diane, David, Lyn Ann, Jean, Brian; sister-in-law Irene Murray and family; and numerous nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by parents, Hugh and Claire Keiran (of Scituate, Mass).

Alan was born May 25, 1952 in Boston, Massachusetts and grew up in Scituate. Alan served during the Vietnam War, but was stationed in Italy 1972-4. Upon his return he attended Northeastern University in Boston where he met his wife Sally. It was a quick romance and they were married in September 8th, 1974. During that time, they both committed their lives to serving Jesus Christ and Alan received a call to Ministry specifically to be a Navy chaplain. He finished his Bachelor’s degree in Economics at University of Massachusetts and then began his studies at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA receiving his Master’s Divinity in 1979. While there, he enrolled in the Naval Chaplain Candidate Program and throughout Seminary followed the protocol to become a Navy Chaplain. Their daughter Jennifer was born during that time.

In 1980 he went on active duty as a Navy Chaplain serving on the USS Texas in Norfolk Virginia 1980-83 with a 6-month deployment to the Mediterranean. Other duty stations include: Naval Air Station Oceana, VA Beach 1983-85; Post-Graduate School, Princeton Seminary, NJ 1985-86; Marine Corp Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan 1986-89 during which time they were blessed to adopt their wonderful son, John; Navy Chaplain’s Advanced Course, Newport, RI 1989-90; Sixth Marines Regimental Chaplain, Camp Lejeune, NC 1990-92; Director of the Chaplain’s School, Newport, RI 1992-96 during which time he earned his Doctoral degree in Ministry from Gordon Conwell Seminary; Marine Forces Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii 1996-99; Marine Corp Base, Camp Lejeune 1999-2000; Executive Assistant to Admiral Barry Black, Chief of Chaplain’s Office, Washington DC.

Alan retired from the Navy Chaplain Corp August 1, 2003 and transitioned to serve as Chief of Staff for Chaplain Barry Black who became the 62nd Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. Alan faithfully served in that position for 9 years assisting Chap. Black in his various responsibilities to Senators and Senate Staff. He also led a weekly Men’s Bible study for a small group or Senate staff and Capitol Hill Police Officers.  While working at the Senate, Alan also pastored the English congregation in a Korean Church, International Calvary Church in Springfield, Virginia.

Alan is remembered for his deep spirituality, his love and devotion to his Savior Jesus Christ, and primary purpose in life: to bring honor and glory to God. He loved to share his faith with others and was a gifted Bible teacher reflected in ministry at the base chapel in Iwakuni, Japan where the Adult class grew quickly from 10 to 40 attendees. He had a warm, caring personality, wonderful sense of humor, was an encourager to all who knew him. Alan was known as a servant leader with the desire to see junior chaplains equipped to be successful in their ministry. He was a powerful preacher, conference and retreat speaker, and always had time for the “one.” Many times, he shared the importance of stopping for the one – modeling that in ministry to the homeless he came to know as he walked daily from the metro to the Capitol.

During his 23 years as an active duty Navy Chaplain Alan received the following awards: From his service in the Gulf War in 1991, Alan received the Meritorious Service Medal with V for Valor for his outstanding service during Desert Storm, including leading his convoy through a mine field during combat. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his exceptional service as Force Chaplain for Marine Forces, Camp Smith, Hawaii (1999), and a second Legion of Merit for his exceptional service as Executive Assistant to Adm. Barry Black (2003).

Alan is the author of two books, Take Charge of Your Destiny (2008) and Don’t Be Surprised (2011) He enjoyed ministering as a Conference, Retreat or Guest speaker several times during his 40 years of ministry. But he especially loved his family and friends spending time in ordinary activities of life – frisbee, playing games, boogie-boarding at the beach, hiking, kayaking, bird watching etc.

The family has much appreciation for the loving care given to Alan during the past year at the Veteran’s Home of Missouri (Warrensburg, MO). So grateful for the wonderful staff there who loved him and honored him.

A Memorial Service is planned December 19th at 11am at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall Rd, KCMO. The family plans on having the service live streamed at https://youtu.be/_NU8-2wQuaw and through the website at longviewfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society or Wounded Warriors Family Support