COLUMBIA CITY – Kenneth Eugene Keener, 97, Columbia City, passed away at 9 a.m. Nov. 14, 2015, at Miller's Merry Manor, Columbia City. He was born Sept. 19, 1918, in Pierceton, to Forest Merlin and Anna Marie Grindle Keener. On June 30, 1940, in Pierceton, he married Mary L. Bowman, who preceded him in death. He later moved to Barbee Lake, and in December 1998 he moved to Columbia City. He graduated from Pierceton High School with the Class of 1938 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army during WWII, where he was awarded a Bronze Star along with a Purple Heart. He worked at Dalton Foundry, Warsaw, and seven years at Pletcher's Grocery, Pierceton, and then worked as a Cabinet Maker for the RV Industry in Milford and Syracuse, retiring in the mid 1980s. Surviving are a son, Jack (and spouse Kristine) Keener, Middlebury; a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Keener, Columbia City; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ted Keener; two brothers, Francis and Merlin Keener; and a sister, Virginia May Snyder. “The family would like to thank the nursing staff and management of Miller’s Merry Manor for their wonderful care.” Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at DeMoney-Grimes, Columbia City, with Certified Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockaus officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Parkview Whitley Home Health Care and Hospice or Honor Flight Inc. Condolences via www.demoneygrimes.com
