Obituary: John Milton ‘Bear’ Keene, 85, Springfield
John Milton “Bear” Keene, 85, of Springfield, died Monday, April 25, 2016. He was born Oct. 5, 1930, in Springfield, to the late Catherine Thompson Keene and James William Keene.
JOHN MILTON “BEAR” KEENE
He was a member and past Grand Knight of Council 4270 Knights of Columbus. He was a faithful parishioner at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Springfield and volunteered in several capacities there, including many years on the bereavement meals committee. He was a beloved father, a wonderful cook and had a quick wit. He loved to entertain and he never missed a party. He was a lifelong fan of the L.A. Dodgers and the Louisville Cardinals. He was a man of strong faith and had a firm belief in Catholic education. Those who knew him loved him.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Sarah Jane “Sally” Clarkson Keene; three sisters, Marlyn Keene, Lillian Keene Hill and Sr. Sue Keene, O.P.; three brothers, James Keene, William Keene, Edward Keene; and one son-in-law, Rick Smith.
Survivors include four daughters, Charlotte Ann Shumway (Michael), Molly Taylor Smith, Virginia Barbour Drury (Paul) and Catherine Linton Clements (Joe); four sons, Thomas Clarkson Keene (Muggs), John Milton “Jed” Keene Jr., James Edwin Keene, and Joseph Martin Keene (Angela); one sister-in-law, Lyn Clarkson; 17 grandchildren; and a large number of nieces and nephews.
The funeral Mass was 11 a.m. Friday, April 29, at St. Dominic Catholic Church with burial in St. Rose Cemetery in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Dominic School in Springfield, or Bethlehem High School in Bardstown.
The Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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