Leonard Teron Keeney

Leonard Teron Keeney, age 50, of Branson, Missouri.

Leonard Teron Keeney, age 50, of Branson, Missouri, passed away early on March 30, 2024, with family by his side. He entered this world on July 18, 1973, the youngest son of James R. Keeney and Delores Collins.

Leonard had worked at several jobs, including over the road truck driver, driving the OATS bus, Branson Cab, and a dump truck for TRAC. He also worked at Bass Pro Shops at Branson Landing. Leonard’s real passion in life was fly fishing and tying flies. He patented and sold a few of his creations to a company that still distributes them today.

The “Sculpin King” met and bonded with so many friends through his fly fishing, because he was an extraordinary and skilled fisherman. Leonard shared his passion with his family, friends, and anyone that wanted to learn to catch massive size trout in Lake Taneycomo, Roaring River, and Bennett Springs trout streams. He was very generous with his knowledge, often taking the fly off his own rod and line to assist others on how to use them. Leonard loved to fly fish at night, leading him to create his guide service “Taneycomo Nights.” He was a highly recommended and sought after fishing guide. Another passion of his was mushroom hunting. When fishing, Leonard would often take a break and search for his favorite delicacies where he was very knowledgeable in the edible varieties.

Leonard is survived by his father and step-mother: James R. and Sharon Keeney of Forsyth, Missouri; brother, Jimmy Keeney of Forsyth, Missouri; sister, Truly (JR) Ferguson of Rockaway Beach, Missouri; three daughters: Melinda Keeney of Kansas City, Kansas, Patience Marie Keeney of Overland Park, Kansas, and Rebecca Keeney of Forsyth, Missouri; three sons: Dakota Truitt of Springfield, Missouri, Bryan Keeney of Forsyth, Missouri, and Daniel Keeney of Forsyth, Missouri; and grandson, Cooper Truitt of Springfield, Missouri. He is also survived by his former wives: Angela Ussery and Shannon Hibner; and three nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Charles Edwin Keeney and Ruby Mae (Huntley) Keeney, who had a passion for fishing and must have passed it on to him; two aunts: Bobbie and Debbie of Phoenix, Arizona; and uncle, Chuck Keeney.

There will be a celebration of life from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery Pavilion hosted by several fly-fishing groups. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reel Recovery (www.reelrecovery.org).  Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.