Kenneth Eugene Keener

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Kenneth Keener lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. He was never one to worry about the little things and took everything in stride, fully embracing both the peaks and valleys along his lifes journey. Ken was completely devoted to his family, and he was selfless in providing his wife and children with whatever he could. As his family and friends can attest, he was a diehard Cubs fan through and through. Although he will be deeply missed, Ken leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will carry on in his footsteps.


The year 1918 is often remembered as the year that WWI came to an end. It was at that point that America was viewed as a world leader for the first time and poised for greatness. We did not disappoint as we led the way with innovative advancements throughout the 1920s when we welcomed in changes like radios, refrigerators, and motion pictures in both color and sound. It was also in 1918 that Forest Merlin and Anna Marie (Grindle) Keener were pleased to announce the birth of the healthy baby boy they named Kenneth Eugene on September 19th. Born in Pierceton, Indiana, he was one of four children in his family as he was raised alongside his brothers, Francis and Merlin, and his sister, Virginia May. In many ways, Ken was a young boy of his generation. He was a talented athlete who played both basketball and baseball, and he also ran track.


Not to be forgotten about his years in school was Kens introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Mary L. Bowman, and sparks flew right from the start. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Ken and Mary became husband and wife on June 30, 1940, two years after graduating from high school in 1938.


Life in America was forever changed after the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Ken became one of the many called to serve during this time of great need and was drafted into the United States Army. He was a rifleman in the infantry and spent much of his time in active combat. Kens unit was deployed to Europe and arrived on the beaches of Normandy just one day after D-Day. He spent the majority of his time in France and Italy. Ken was hit by a bullet in the shoulder, and after he was all healed up he went right back into the heat of the battle. In recognition of his service, Ken was awarded with both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.


With his military duties fulfilled, Ken returned home and joined the American Legion and the VFW. He also enjoyed coaching basketball for a few years. Ken worked at the Dalton Foundry in Warsaw and then worked at Pletchers Grocery in Pierceton for seven years. From there he spent the remainder of his working days working as a cabinet maker in the RV industry in Milford and Syracuse until retiring in the mid-eighties.


Throughout his life Ken treasured his family above all else. He and Mary were blessed with the births of two sons, Ted and Jack. Ken was an active part of his sons lives, and he treasured every moment he had with his family. At the age of four, their son, Ted, was diagnosed with polio, and because the disease was so limiting the family didnt travel much. However, Ken enjoyed taking his boys fishing when he could as he loved sharing this lifelong passion with them. After their boys graduated, he and his wife moved to Lake Barbee. They also did some traveling, and although he always had a great time, Ken was anxious to come back home to his family.


With a love for watching baseball on television and being a Cubs fan, one of the highlights of Kens life was taking a trip to Chicago to watch the Cubs play St. Louis with his son, Jack. This was the first and only Cubs game that he was able to see in person. Ken and Jack scalped tickets just a few blocks away and had no idea what they were getting into for the day - or where they would sit. As it turned out, they had great seats just off of the first baseline. What made it even better was that this happened to be a game that went 17 innings! Jack bought him a Cubs hat that day, and when he got home, Ken wrapped it in plastic and never did wear it since it meant too much to him. In addition to being a great fisherman, he was also a skilled woodworker, making clocks, ducks and book cases.


Later in life Ken was deeply saddened when his beloved wife became ill. He then made the difficult decision to move from the lake into Columbia City in 1998. Ken devoted his days to tenderly caring for his wife until she died on June 1, 2003. This was particularly difficult because it was just one year after his son, Ted, had died. Ken adjusted to being on his own and was able to take a few trips to spend some time with Jack in Florida, but he was always eager to return home, too. Another trip that Ken would never forget was the opportunity to take a Veterans Honor Flight to Washington D.C. His son was starting the application process but due to a hip surgery, put it on the back burner. To his surprise, a grandson also sent in the request after surgery and the two made the day long trip, leaving Ft. Wayne International Airport early in the morning, spending the entire day in Washington D.C. and came home late that night.


All who knew Kenneth Keener would agree that he was one of the kindest people around. He was always willing to do what he could to help others, and he lived for his wife and sons. Life was not always easy for Ken, but his strength and courage were truly inspiring. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.


Kenneth Eugene Keener, 97, of Columbia City, Indiana, died at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2015, at Millers Merry Manor in Columbia City. Kens family includes his son, Jack (Kristine) Keener of Middlebury; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Keener of Columbia City; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great- great-grandchildren. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Keener; son, Ted Keener; brothers, Francis Keener and Merlin Keener; and sister, Virginia May Snyder.

Visitation is from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Certified Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Pierceton with military honors being rendered by the Pierceton American Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkview Whitley Home Health Care and Hospice or to Honor Flight, Inc. To send Kens family condolences, visit www.demoneygrimes.com .