Warren Joseph Keller Sr.

On January 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, Warren Joseph Keller, Sr., was called home by his Heavenly Father. Warren, a resident of St. Tammany Parish and a native New Orleanian, was born on August 19, 1947. He was a 1966 graduate of Francis T. Nicholls High School.

Warren began his 52-year career serving his country and community as a Boatswain Mate (BM3) with the United States Naval Reserve (USNR). In the USNR, Warren was assigned to the USS Jennings County, a naval ship that saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, operating as part of Operation Game Warden. One notable mission occurred on December 22, 1967, when Warren selflessly exposed himself to a fierce barrage of enemy gunfire in order to rescue a river patrol boat (PBR) that had grounded itself on the bank of the Bassac River, a crucial waterway during the Vietnam War for supplies and troops. Warren’s devotion to duty and precise maneuvering of his craft were instrumental in saving the lives of the PBR crew, as well as preventing the enemy from capturing or destroying the PBR. Warren was awarded the Navy Commendation Metal for his heroic rescue. While also serving in the USNR, Warren was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device.

Following his naval career, Warren joined the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) in 1971, where he achieved the rank of sergeant. Warren’s NOPD career spanned many assignments, including but not limited to patrolmen throughout many of the city’s police districts, the Felony Action Squad, the Detective Bureau, and the Narcotics/Vice Crimes Section. Warren’s exemplary performance and dedication to duty resulted in him receiving countless awards and commendations during his 26-year career with the NOPD. Notably, Warren was awarded the Medal of Merit in July 1993, due to his heroic response to a residence fire while working an off-duty detail. With total disregard for his own personal safety, Warren repeatedly entered a burning, smoke-filled building and rescued all six occupants, as well as three dogs, prior to the arrival of the fire department. The following year, on March 12, 1994, Warren was recognized as Policeman of the Year for exemplary performance of his duties to his fellow men. During his NOPD career, Warren was also the recipient of the Police Association of New Orleans Award for Bravery.

Although Warren retired from the NOPD in 1997, he elected to continue serving his community for another 21 years with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO), where he also achieved the rank of sergeant. In less than a year of serving with the STPSO, Warren was awarded Deputy of the Quarter for his outstanding performance in his pro-active tours of duty, which resulted in numerous narcotics arrests. In addition, Warren utilized the knowledge and experience he acquired during his vast NOPD career to mentor rising STPSO deputies, many of whom fondly referred to him as “Uncle Warren,” “Paw Paw,” “the General,” and “the Legend.”

Warren retired from the STPSO in 2019, thereby allowing him more time to enjoy his family, his passion for the gym, and traveling the open roads on his Harley with friends. Throughout most of his grueling cancer treatments, Warren continued his daily gym workouts and attended his children and grandchildren’s school/sports activities.

Warren exemplified not only a life of courage, but also what it means to devote one’s life to the service of others with humility. He will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him on this side of heaven.

Warren is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Alice Brennan Keller. He is survived by his children: Warren Jr. (wife Amanda), Kristen (husband Michael), Steven (wife Bonnie), Matthew, Joseph, Mickey, and four-legged son, Caesar. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Branden, Justin, Ethan, Haydon, Brody, Abby, Layla, and Aidan; as well as two siblings, Allen Keller and Joann Plaiscia, and several nieces and nephews. In addition, Warren’s former wife, Karen Keller, remained devoted to him until his death.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. on January 13, 2025, at Bagnell & Son Funeral Home located at 75212 Hwy 437 (Lee Road), Covington, LA 70435, with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery located at 34888 Grantham College Drive, Slidell, LA 70460.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research & Information, Inc., https://virtualtrials.org/index.cfm.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.