Frank Marshall Kea, landscape architect
Frank Marshall Kea III, 61, a resident of both Rehoboth Beach and New Orleans, La., unexpectedly passed away at home in New Orleans Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018.
Frank was the founder and CEO of Solutions IPEM LLC headquartered in Georgetown. He was devoted to his loving wife Karen M. Kea, and his two beautiful daughters, Peirce Louise Kea of Salisbury, Md., and Avery Viner Kea of New Orleans. Frank’s love for his family and his work was ever evident, a characteristic that escaped no one’s notice.
Frank was born Aug. 27, 1957 in Greenwood, Miss., to Dixie Jean Kea and James “Buddy” Viner. In his younger years, he was reared in Ruleville, Miss., by his loving maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Marshall Kea Sr., then later by his mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Speyerer. Frank earned his degree in landscape architecture from Louisiana State University in 1980. He subsequently received his professional licensing in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Louisiana. He began his career in New Orleans, later moving to the Delmarva Peninsula where his work has been concentrated.
In 2007, Frank met his “perfect match,” Karen. Last year, he and Karen bought their home in New Orleans, coming back to their shared roots.
Frank was an exceptional man in so many ways, and the condolences expressed after his passing from friends and associates alike have attested to his character. The refrain is consistent throughout his personal and professional relationships, reflecting his integrity, mirroring the values he learned from his family and the good people he chose to surround himself with. Frank’s character, talent, and uncanny vision carved not only a career but his life’s work of purposeful accomplishment with lasting effect. A humble man, Frank pursued a standard of excellence above what many would have dismissed as unnecessary.
Frank has managed all phases of projects and assets, and has served as a vice president of operations, regional operations manager, and project director for communities ranging from 60 to 1,700 homes, commercial developments of 35,000 to 320,000 square feet, and golf course construction of 18- to 36-hole championship courses with name designers. Frank has established and maintained extensive political relations at both the state and local levels, has written and promoted state legislation, and served on government advisory committees representing the interests of the private development industry.
Clearly, Frank’s projects were varied and many. A few of which include the Palm Beach Polo & Country Club in Florida, Woldenburg Riverfront Park in New Orleans, Gateway Market Center in Washington, D.C., Glen Riddle in Maryland, Baywood Greens, Village at Bear Trap Dunes and American Bayside, all in Sussex County.
Frank leaves not only his wife, Karen, and daughters, Peirce and Avery, but also his son-in-law, Alex Rice; his stepchildren Alexander, Salina and Sophia Masone of Rehoboth; his Aunt Mike and Uncle Barney Chiz of Drew, Miss.; his stepfather, Mr. Edwin Speyerer of Ruleville, Miss.; and his siblings Ken Speyerer, Stacy Viner, Jim Viner, and Scott Viner of Mississippi.
Memorial services in Delaware will be held Thursday, Oct. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Baywood Greens, 32267 Clubhouse Way, Long Neck. A New Orleans gathering in memory of Frank will be held at the home of his closest friends, Jerome and Natalie McBride, 1320 Adams St., Gretna, La., Saturday, Nov. 3, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
