Willis Carroll Keener

Funeral services for Willis Carroll Keener will be held Thursday, August 4, 2016 2:00 PM at the Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Okemah, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery in Okemah. Willis Carroll Keener was the eldest son of Willis Coffer Keener and Violet Lorene (Bowrland) Keener, born on September 7, 1937 in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma. “Carroll” was released from his earthly bonds and entered into the Kingdom of Heaven Friday, July 29, 2016 at his home at the age of 78. Mr. Keener, first and foremost was a child of God, being saved and baptized at the age of 10. Spending hours, days, weeks and years pour over the bible. Studying, learning and eventually teaching the Christian faith to others. He enjoyed doing missionary work with his wife Rosemarie Keener in Mexico and Missouri and was a regular attendee of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Seminole, OK. Mr. Keener and his wife were blessed to have been able to take two journeys to the holy land of Israel. After these journeys “Carroll” always made the statement, “Israel has made the bible come to life for me”. He also enjoyed giving and feeling like he made a difference in the world. Having O- blood and being an avid blood donor, the emergency victims and premature babies alone he helped save are countless. He was a loving husband, father, granddad and great-granddad. Carroll was a brilliant man; graduating from Okemah High School in 1955. He went on to serve as a Private in the National Guard receiving an honorable discharge. He then went on to receive an engineering degree from Purdue University in 1960. His desire for learning never stopped, leading him holding several certificates of accomplishment in several subjects. Just one of his many accomplishments, was being one of the youngest engineers to work on the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, the Titan Missile; while residing in South Dakota. His intelligence, quick wit, insight and mostly dry sense of humor will forever be one of the qualities, people who knew him, will treasure. He had a true passion and an extraordinary natural talent for the game of golf. After retiring from Zenith in 1995; he enjoyed working with and on tractors, building bridges, farming and raising his beloved milk goats. He never met a cruise he didn’t like and up until he couldn’t travel any longer, he and his wife Rosemarie went every year, like clockwork. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sharon Wyrick, his first wife, Roberta Joyce Keener, son Martin W. Keener, daughter in law, Carla M. Keener, step daughter, Cynthia (Cindi) Denise Chandler, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie Keener of the home. Two daughters, Alicia M. Keener and husband Samuel D. Laffoon of Rogersville, Missouri and Helen Jeanne Keener of Dunnegan, Missouri. One brother, Reilly Don Keener of Oklahoma City and one step-son Daniel J. Laffoon of Shreveport, Louisiana. Four grandchildren: Serena M. Keener, Dallas W. Keener and wife Stephanie L. Keener, Josh M. Cook, Ally M. Hurst and one step-grandson, Joshua C. Laffoon. Two great-grandsons: Paxton W. Keener and Eyzaiah W. Akin. Serving as active pallbearers will be Jerry States, Tim Graves, Tom Phillips, Pete Blohowiak, Jerome McKinney and Larry Hicks Honorary Bearers include Tom Wyrick, Carlis Riddle, Larry Keener, Julious Coleman and Samuel Laffoon. Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Okemah, Oklahoma and officiated by J.W. Keener In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to be made to Faith Hospice of Seminole, OK in Willis Carroll Keener’s name. Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Okemah, Oklahoma and officiated J. W. Keener.

Willis Carroll Keener

September 7, 1937 - July 29, 2016