Daniel G. Keating, twin brother of former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating, passed away in Tulsa on Saturday. Dan Keating was 74.

“America has lost a patriot. Conservatism has lost a champion. And Tulsa has lost its biggest promoter,” said Charles Biggs, editor and publisher of the Tulsa Beacon.

For years, Dan Keating wrote a weekly column in the Tulsa Beacon. His topics ranged from support of the military, to accountability in government to effective public education.

“Dan’s column was very popular among our readers,” Biggs said. “We are very grateful for what he added to our newspaper.”

Dan Keating was vice chairman of Summit Financial in Tulsa. With four decades of banking experience, he joined Summit in 1994. Keating was a former president of Valley National Bank in Tulsa.

As a young man, Dan Keating joined the U.S. Marines. He served a 13-month tour of duty in Vietnam with the 5th Marine Regiment. He eventually retired from the Marine Corps Reserves as a lieutenant colonel.

While in the Marine Corps Reserve, Keating was called up to active duty in February 1991 for the Gulf War. His assignment was to help with logistics for the 5th Marine Regiment, the same unit he served with in Vietnam near Da Nang.

Dan Keating ran for the Republican nomination for state treasurer in 2006 but lost in the primary to Howard Barnett following a series of negative television ads attacking Keating’s business dealings.

Dan Keating’s list of civic contributions include:

  • Member of the Oklahoma State Board of Education;
  • Board member of the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Foundation;
  • Former vice chairman of the Oklahoma State Chamber;
  • Member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board;
  • Presidential appointee for the Board of Advisors on Tribal Colleges and Universities (appointed by former President George W. Bush);
  • Former finance committee chairman for the Oklahoma Historical Society;
  • Former chairman of the Oklahoma Cigarette and Tobacco Tax Advisory Committee;
  • Former regent for Tulsa Community College;
  • Won the Oklahoma Wesleyan University President’s Award;
  • A four-time delegate to Republican National Conventions;
  • State co-chairman for the Donald Trump presidential campaign in 2016 in Oklahoma;
  • An MBA from The University of Oklahoma and an undergraduate degree from The University of Tulsa;
  • A member of the Oklahoma Military Advisory Commission;
  • A board member for Junior Achievement;
  • A board member of Tulsa Ballet;
  • A board member for the Mental Health Association Oklahoma;
  • A board member of the Easter Seal Society;
  • A board member of the Metropolitan Utility Authority and Utility Board;
  • A board member of the Oklahoma Bankers Association Insurance Agency;
  • A board member of the Hillcrest Medical Center Foundation.
  • A chartered life underwriter; and,
  • Formerly an adjunct professor at Oral Roberts University.

Gov. Mary Fallin appointed Dan Keating to the State School Board.

“Daniel Keating served the state of Oklahoma well in a variety of appointments and had a lifelong interest in education,” said Fallin. “He was a strong proponent on the State Board of Education of ensuring Oklahoma’s schools delivered a high-quality education. As a business executive, Dan knew the importance of giving our students the skill-sets they need to succeed in today’s competitive, high-tech economy.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his wife, Kathy, and his brother, former Governor Frank Keating, and his friends during this difficult time.”

“This is heartbreaking news,” said State School Superintendent Joy Hofmeister. “Dan Keating was a strong, passionate and committed State Board member who cared deeply about improving the education of Oklahoma schoolchildren. He served with honor and distinction.

“On a personal level, Dan was a kind and congenial friend who always had words of encouragement. My prayers are with his wife Kathy, their children and their extended family.”

Dan Keating is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons Matthew and Bryan; and brothers Frank and Martin.

A visitation service will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, November 29, at the Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 1402 S. Boulder Ave. A Memorial Mass will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, December 1, at the Holy Family Cathedral, 8th Street and Boulder Avenue.

Friends may honor Dan Keating with a donation to the charity of their choice.