John Selby Kean III

Born on March 6, 1940 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, John was a graduate of University High School (1958) and Louisiana State University (1962), where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduating, he began working in his family’s business, Kean’s Laundry. John and his father subsequently founded and grew Red Stick Uniform and Linen Supply. Under John’s leadership, Red Stick was acquired by Cintas Corporation where he served as Executive Vice President until retirement. He was also a founding partner and a member of the management committee of Connectivity Source.

In 1961, he married his college sweetheart and favorite fishing partner, Charlotte Anne Hohorst, and together they had five children whom were guided by his quiet presence and unwavering devotion to their mother. John was a steward. A steward of family, friends, and of land. John's magnetism was evident in the wide breadth of friends and family who surrounded him. A gentleman with an uncanny ability to quietly command the room without having to say a word. With little more than a soft smile and a twinkle in those green eyes, he brought out the best in people. If you knew John, you were better for it.

John is survived by his wife, Charlotte, their children John Selby Kean, IV (Melinda) of Saint Francisville, Rachel Kean Alcock (Lee) of Baton Rouge, Angelle Kean McQueen (Christian) of Hattiesburg MS, and Tyler James Kean (Sheila) of Orange Beach AL; grandchildren Selby Kean Thompson, Angelle Alcock Palombo (Hampton) and André Alcock, Sarah Brennan and Camille Claire Kean and their mother, Leigh Barbato Kean, Charlotte, Christian, Phillip and John Ramsey McQueen, James, John Carter, Charlie and Fisher Lynn Kean; great-grandchildren, Shepherd and Juliet Thompson, Amelie, Eloise and Cecilia Palombo; sister Jane Kean Lohman (Thomas); friend & caregiver Kenny Lawson, and dear local friends Patrick Herbert and Raymond Bell. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jane Brennan Kean and John Selby Kean, Jr.; his sisters Nancy and Ruthie Kean, and his cherished son Charles Brennan Kean.

Visitation will take place on Friday, November 18, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA. A Funeral Mass will follow at 2:30 p.m. with a reception following at the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to either Saint Patrick’s Retreat P.O. Box 1299 Woodville, MS. 39669 or Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Inc, 10600 South Choctaw Dr. Baton Rouge, LA. 70815