Keaton was an incredible child. Despite battling leukemia since the age of two and a half, he was always positive, mature, sweet, witty, and kind.
He charmed the nurses with his generosity and intelligence and always thought of others before himself. Despite years of treatment, Keaton never complained about appointments or hospital stays.
On January 2, 2018, Keaton, age seven, was in the hospital with the flu. During this stay, his friend Kay Tangner came to visit and declared, “Keaton, we should start a club!” Keaton agreed, and for the next hour and a half, the two worked diligently to create a kindness club. They decided to call it “The K Club” since Keaton's nickname was “K,” and Kay's name started with a “K.” Membership fees would be $1 or “whatever a person can afford,” and Keaton decided that the money would be given to charity. Keaton drew an official logo and chose the K Club mascot, lunchtime, clubhouse, drink, colors, and more.
Keaton enjoyed planning his new club, and Kay and his parents thought it would be a fun activity for the children being treated at the Jimmy Everest Center and Oklahoma Children's Hospital. A few days later, Kay made K Club membership cards that included President Keaton's signature, the K Club mission, and the K Club Bible verse. A few nurses and family members began to join, and Kay stated her next big goal: 1,000 K Club members!
Within months, the K Club had members in all 50 states.
How does one describe the best person he or she has ever known? Keaton Lucas was born on March 21, 2010. He was the sweetest baby, always happy, laid-back, and full of joy.
As a toddler, he was an “old soul” who loved Mickey Mouse, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the OSU Cowboys. After a few unexplained illnesses, his parents took him to the doctor and heard the words no parent ever wants to hear, “It looks like leukemia.” Keaton was rushed to OU Children's Hospital and began treatment immediately.
For three and a half years, Keaton battled this disease and successfully finished chemotherapy on December 27, 2015. However, he relapsed on March 22, 2016, and relapsed again on July 18, 2017. He fought hard, taking every medication and following every order given by his doctors who worked so hard to try and save him.
Throughout his five and a half years of chemotherapy, radiation, t-cell therapy and more, Keaton remained positive, agreeable, hilarious, and sweet. He always put others ahead of himself and fought with grace and courage, never complaining about the countless hospital and clinic visits or missing out on so many life experiences because of his illness. Keaton was a shining example of what it means to live with kindness, courage, compassion, and care for others every single day.
Keaton passed away at home on May 11, 2018. He touched many lives, taught others about faith, hope, and never giving up, and leaves a legacy that his family and friends hope to share for years to come.
“K Club's mission is to be kind to others, be courageous, compassionate, and caring - with a special emphasis on bringing JOY and kindness to children battling cancer and their families.”
Keaton Barrón was the founder and first president. Today a volunteer board carries the K Club forward.
Keaton took his role seriously, contemplating which projects to pursue and making mature decisions that impacted many people. Even in his most difficult moments, he focused on the needs of others and understood the importance of spreading kindness.
Kevin joined the K Club family in March 2026 as Keaton's 16th birthday gift. He was unveiled in April 2026 once his fancy new wrap job was complete. Kevin enjoys driving down the street looking awesome, carrying LEGO sets, toys, and supplies for K Club parties and events, and spreading Keaton's mission of kindness.
Holly is originally from Enid, Oklahoma, and met her husband Luke in high school in 1998. She loved working as an Honors Academic Advisor at OSU and as a Youth Ministry Coordinator at St. Monica in Edmond, but nothing compares to being the mom of Keaton, Reid, Holden, and Conley. It is a great honor for her to carry on his brilliant legacy through the K Club.
Abbie grew up in the Dallas area and attended Oklahoma State University. She enjoys volunteering and loves the K Club mission. She has a heart for pediatric cancer patients and their families and wants to make a small difference in their lives.
Luke studied business at Oklahoma State University and has worked in restaurants for over 25 years. Keaton was Luke's "mini me." He is honored and excited to use the K Club to spread kindness, compassion, courage, and caring in Keaton's name.
Kay is the friend who told Keaton, "we should start a club!" Volunteering in the Jimmy Everest Cancer Center Art Room for the past 25 years has allowed her the honor of meeting many heroes and inspirational families.
Chris was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, and earned his Bachelor's and Master's in Accounting at Oklahoma State University. He is honored to be part of an organization with such a passion for showing kindness to others.
[Bio coming soon]
Bios and portraits to be refreshed with the board before launch
We are honored to work with the Jimmy Everest Center and Oklahoma Children's Hospital (OU Children's), and we are grateful to every sponsor who makes the Keaton Barrón Charity Classic and Gala possible.
Give once or monthly, for as little as $5/month. Keaton's Kindness Foundation is a 501(c)(3), and all donations are tax deductible.
