Roll Call Tribute

Arthur Kennedy O'Keefe, Jr. 

February 7, 1947 - March 6, 2025 

Arthur Kennedy O’Keefe, Jr., better known as Kayo, was born on February 7, 1947, in Charleston, West Virginia to Arthur K. O’Keefe, Sr. and Elizabeth Anne Carroll O’Keefe. He grew up in a household with four boys and four girls, Kayo being the oldest boy. Kayo graduated from Monsignor Kelly High School in Beaumont, Texas in 1966. He attended Texas A&M University, where he walked on to the A&M football team and also joined the Corps of Cadets. He married Cynthia Anne Matherne (Cam), his high school sweetheart, on August 30,1969, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Beaumont, Texas. Although he always said he bled Maroon, he graduated from UT. Kayo and Cam have three children: Jenny Ami O’Keefe Emmons, married to Matt Emmons; Erin Nicole O’Keefe Butler, married to Dale Butler, and Kyle Matherne O’Keefe, married to Tara Rudiger O’Keefe.

Kayo helped many people during his career as a Financial Planner for over 50 years and continued The O’Keefe Group with his daughter Jenny until his death. His love for children and Life led him to The Texas Alliance for Life where he held a position on the Board as Financial Director for 15 years. He continued as a supporter of the organization and the cause up to the present. Kayo and Cam enjoyed woodworking, home improvement projects, and travel. After moving to Taylor, Texas, they became actively involved at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and School. Kayo was currently on the St. Mary’s School Board and a Mentor with the High School Youth Group.

Kayo is preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Emma Claire Flynn and Margaret Cartwright. Remaining siblings are: Michael, Charles Richard, Carroll, Jim, and Christine.

Kayo is survived by his wife of 55 years, Cam; children Jenny, Erin and Kyle; nine grandchildren: Peyton and new husband Cameron, Parker, Jake, Andrew, Joseph, Kaley, Mattie, William, and Joshua, along with his five brothers and sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 on Friday, March 14th, 2025 along with the Rosary beginning at 7:00. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Taylor. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.