Eric Joseph Killeen

Sgt. Eric Joseph Killeen, passed away on the morning of Thursday, June 9, 2022, age 43. The adored father of Xantha and Korack Killeen, Eric was the firstborn son of Joan Merrihew Killeen and Walter H. Killeen, Jr. (Margarita). He is also survived by his siblings: Yvonne Killeen Stallings (Fred), Bryan P. Killeen, Jason M. Killeen (Courtney), Nathan D. Killeen (Elizabeth), Shawn V. Killeen, and stepbrothers: Carlos Lopez (Greg) and Joshua Killeen, and by 6 nieces: Angelle, Anastasia, Abilyn, Arielle, Cordelia, and Annabelle, and 1 nephew Jacques, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Walter "Harvey" Killeen, Sr., Claire P. Favrot Killeen, Madeleine Bose Merrihew, and Warren J. Merrihew, and by his Aunt Yvonne D. Merrihew, and Uncles Thomas "Tom" J. Merrihew and Christopher "Chris" B. Killeen. Eric was born March 23, 1979 and raised Catholic in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended St. John Lutheran Elementary School, kindergarten through 8th grade. In 1998 he graduated from De La Salle High School with Honors, where he was an active member of the Wrestling team all 4 years, participated in Academic Games, the Computer Programming Club, and received the Scholar-Athlete Award. Eric enrolled in the University of New Orleans where he majored in Computer Science. While attending, he met recruiters for the Army and decided to enlist as a US Army Reservist. He served as a Reservist for 8 years, from 2000 through 2008, including the period of time that followed the 9-11 attacks, as a support member for his fellow troops, here in the United States. He traveled around the country on miscellaneous assignments. His primary role was an Automated Logistics Specialist, handling inventory at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2006. In his early 30s, after much theological contemplation, Eric chose to be baptized as a Mormon in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2013. As a very active member, he hosted many cottage meetings, married in the church, and eventually became a Mormon priest. For most of his adulthood, Eric worked as a Shell gas station attendant with his favorite uncle, Tom. He enjoyed meeting and entertaining the wide variety of customers who came through the doors. This is where he met the mother of his children, Mahala Callaghan, whom he was married to for several years. In an effort to change his career path, November 15, 2017, Eric was initiated as an Apprentice with the Electricians' Union NOEJATC through the IBEW, Local 130. He completed his Apprenticeship and advanced to Journeyman Electrician September 1, 2021. As a youth, Eric thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Boy Scouts of America for several years. He loved nature & science, fishing, hiking, and learning and practicing survival skills. One of his biggest accomplishments, as an adult, in 2008, shortly after completing his service as a Reservist, was a two month long solo hike along the over 444 mile long Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, from Nashville, Tennessee, plus an almost additional 200 miles back home to New Orleans. He also loved computer programming, and gaming, particularly writing video games with his brother, Jason. Eric was most known for his contagious smile, unconventional sense of humor, kindness and acceptance of others, service and protection of others, and entertaining friends, family, and strangers alike with his "juggling" skills he acquired by practicing with his numerous fidget toys, and especially enjoyed entertaining others with his humorous tics. He loved to make people laugh and get big reactions out of everyone! Thank you to all who have reached out to our family in support. His Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5025 Cleveland Pl., Metairie, LA 70003 on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the GoFundMe fundraising page listed below, to help alleviate the cost of his end-of-life expenses and in support of his 2 young children https://gofund.me/9c3939e8

Condolences and tributes can be posted at www.serenitycovington.com

Funeral HomeSerenity Funeral Home
20419 Hwy 36
Covington LA - 70433
US
(985) 875-1131
(985) 875-1132

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