Ulysses Grant Keener, Jr.

U. Grant Keener Jr., Grant was born on the 29th of October 1926, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and passed away peacefully on Wednesday, the 15th of October 2025, in Houston, leaving a legacy of dedication, integrity, and love for family and community.

Grant spent his early years in Brazil before moving to the United States in 1944, where he served as an Aviation Cadet in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, he earned a degree in Finance from the University of Oklahoma and graduated from the Oklahoma College of Law in 1951, receiving a commission in the U.S. Navy.

Returning to Brazil in 1954, Grant co-founded Garcia & Keener in 1959, which grew into one of Rio de Janeiro’s leading international law firms. He was known not only for his sharp legal mind but also for his fairness, mentorship, and unwavering professionalism.

In 1967, he married Gillian M. Keener (née Cargill) in London. Together they had one son, Mark C. Keener, and shared a lifelong partnership filled with love, adventure, and devotion to family. From a previous marriage, Grant was the father of Parke B. Keener, U. Grant Keener III, and Paula Hurst.

In 1978, Grant and his family moved to Houston, where he continued his legal career focusing on international law and co-founded the Houston Inter-American Chamber of Commerce, helping foster business relationships across the Americas. He was admired for his wisdom, generosity, and thoughtful approach to every challenge.

Grant is survived by his wife, Gillian; his son, Mark and wife Mireille, and their children, Isabella, and Sebastian; his daughter, Paula Hurst and husband James; and his son, Parke and wife Monica, and Parke’s son, Parke Joseph.

He was predeceased by his son, U. Grant Keener III (1953–2015), and is also survived by Grant III’s wife Beverly, their daughters, Teresa, Rachael, and Kathryn, and grandchildren, Savanah, Austin, Sawyer, and Liam.

Grant will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but for his warmth, integrity, and the joy he found in family, friendship, and life’s adventures. His legacy will live on through his loved ones and the countless lives he touched.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 6th of November at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive in Houston, where the Rev. Clay Brown is to officiate.

Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the nearby Parlor.

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