Obituaries

James Kenneth “Ken” Keener, 82

January 15, 1940 - November 11, 2022

James Kenneth “Ken” Keener passed away on November 11, 2022 at the age of 82 in his hometown of Lititz, Pennsylvania. His battle with cancer in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Ken spent his last days at home with his loving wife Alice, family and friends. Together they shared stories of life events and watched Phillies and Eagles games. He stayed strong in faith until the end, confident in his eternal destination.

Ken was born in Lancaster, PA on January 15, 1940. He grew up just outside of Lititz in Lexington, PA, and graduated with the very first class of Warwick High School in 1957 and from Millersville College in 1961. He was predeceased by his parents Norman and Ada (Kendig) Keener.

Ken started dating Alice Gundrum during a rain-soaked Millersville College football game at West Chester when she invited him to stay dry under her umbrella. He said that was the moment he knew she was the one. They would have celebrated 63 years of marriage in December.

Continuing Ken’s legacy, in addition to his wife Alice (Gundrum) Keener, are his children Joy (Andy) Olcott, Jim (Chelle) Keener, Craig (Margie) Keener, and Doug Keener; grandchildren, Rachel, Natalie, Kellie, Paige, Sarah, Becca, Dani, Ben, Kyle and Taylor; great grandchildren Calista, Malia, Orion, Hunter and Brynn; sisters Esther Martin, and Jeanette (Paul) Metzler; brother-in-law Peter Buhr; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. He joined in Glory his predeceased grandson Jacob Keener; brothers Paul, Harold, and John Keener; sisters Miriam Buhr, Norma Carper, and Dorothy Snavely.

Ken was an educator who taught Wood Shop and was the varsity boys’ basketball coach at Donegal High School. He then joined the Warwick School District and taught Graphic Arts and Photography until his retirement. He also coached the Warwick varsity boys’ basketball team before handing over the reins to his brother-in-law, Dave Althouse.

His passions in life were numerous, and he was involved with many organizations. His church family was St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran in Lititz. Although he led and held many titles throughout his life, he was never comfortable talking about his many accomplishments. He preferred to talk about all the people he loved and met along the way on his life journey. The sport of bass fishing was a defining passion for Ken. It was something he and Alice thoroughly enjoyed together. They fished together for many years all over the eastern United States and Canada. He was especially fond of their annual trips to Canada. He was involved in the local Bass Masters organization and held all officer positions at one point. He was especially excited when working on conservation projects and the “Casting Kids” program to promote the sport. He was named Pennsylvania Bass Federation’s Sportsman of the Year in 2007. He also had a well-equipped wood shop where he crafted many items. From furniture to jewelry, his eye for detail and his heart and soul poured out in his work.

Ken, Dad, PaPa, Great PaPa will be remembered as a man who showed up and supported his family and friends. He didn’t just tell us how to do life well, he showed us by his example. He taught us, coached us, and then sat on the sidelines and proudly cheered us on.

A Celebration of Life led by Rev. Robert J. Myallis will be held at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 W Orange St, Lititz, PA 17543 on Wednesday, November 23. Family will receive guests starting at 10:00 AM with the service beginning at 11:00 AM. (Casual dress preferred) There will be a time of fellowship immediately following the service. Our family thanks Dr. H. P. (Tracy) DeGreen and all of the staff at the Lancaster Cancer Center. Ken loved you all! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Healing Journey Foundation lancastercancercenter.com/foundation/make-a-donation or with a check made payable to the Lancaster Cancer Center, 498 Stehman Road, Lancaster, PA 17603.

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Condolences to the Family

December 02, 2022

Alice, my condolences to you and your family.
As I sat beside you at our Class reunion in September, who knew. Ken was a happy, carefree person or so it seemed. I have good memories of that day. Bonita

November 23, 2022

Ken you will always be rememberd and greatly missed. Will always remember out times between football season and basketball in the coaches room. Especially the times we talked about the faculity games between the high school and middle school. Thank you for your friendship and kindness. The moments we had together will be treasured forever.

November 23, 2022

Mr. Keener was one of my favorite teachers. I had him several years in photography and graphic arts. He taught me to enjoy photography and I enjoy it as a hobby ever since.
Bill Maney Class of 1977

November 22, 2022

Sending all our love and prayers to your family. Ken was a great neighbor and teacher.
Condolences, Kriss and Pat Kuhns and families

November 22, 2022

I was named for this guy. Talk about setting the bar very high, he always has. Harold, John, and Ken have been my heroes always. Harold, my dad, his brother was the silent type. John was not. He was the jovial, funny, crazy uncle that I adored and at times when young was half scared of. Ken was a combination of both of them. Thanks dear Uncle. I’ved said it before but it needs repeated….you made the world a better place. Love you and miss you, but will see you later. Kenny

November 21, 2022

The Keener Family
Ken was a special person. He was my mentor, coworker and my friend. He showed me how to enjoy life with our many golf matches and fishing trips. He always thought about what he could do for someone else. Ken was an amazing example as he continued to enjoy what he loved even when cancer made it more difficult. I’m sure his love of his family was his inspiration to fight for every possible second in his life. Thanks for the memories “K”.
Tom Dennes

November 20, 2022

Mr Keener was my all time favorite teacher. When no one else saw something in me, he did. I was named student of the month in graphic arts by him. He believed in me, and I took that into my classroom as a teacher of students with disabilities for 23 years. Thank you Mr Keener, I am proud to have been one of your students.

November 19, 2022

Joy and Family, so sorry to read of your loss. Take some comfort in the fact hat he live an active and family full life.
my thoughts are with you

November 17, 2022

To the Keener family and co-worker Becca, a beautiful legacy has been left, which will continue to impact many for years to come. Becca has shared her PaPa with us through our prayer group and conversations about his life. She is part of the legacy that speaks volumes of the kind of man Mr. Keener has been and the type of faith he daily walked in. Praying the Lord’s continued comfort and peace for all of you.
Debra Foster

November 16, 2022

Alice, we are saddened by Ken’s passing. I have a lot of good memories working with Ken, but a smile will always be there when we recall the train ride to the Montreal Olympics.

November 16, 2022

Alice and all of Ken’s family. I could never repay Ken for what he did for me as a mentor during student-teaching. He was a great person who showed me what really was important. I know that he influenced a great many people and I strive to volunteer, like he did in the community when I retire. He was a great department leader, but most important he was a great friend. My family and I send your family prayers!

November 15, 2022

To the Keener family, thank you for sharing this wonderful man. He gave me so many memories playing golf with him here and our trips to Myrtle Beach. I will be sure to order the Maryland Crab soup the next time I’m at the Boundry House for him, it was our favorite. Mike Mitchell

November 15, 2022

Uncle Ken was the best example of how to live a life with gusto! His love for family and God was consistently lived for all to see…a true blessing!
My thoughts and prayers are with the Keener clan now and in the days to come. Love you all.
Patti Snavely Hulsey

November 15, 2022

My condolence to Alice, Craig, Doug, James and Joy. Ken was a great neighbor, teacher and freind living down the street from me. So sad to see Ken pass . He will be missed

November 15, 2022

Alice and family: I have so many great memories over the unknown number of years playing softball and golf with KK! He was funny and a competitor and he amazed me how he smiled and was upbeat during his health issues! A good man that will be missed by many! My deepest condolences, Gene Risser

November 15, 2022

I am so honored to have been apart of Uncle Kenny’s life and he mine. We go all the way back to him changing diapers for the Snavely kids and in time, I was requested to babysit his 4 children. He was the uncle up the street. In spoke truth into my heart about the importance of family more than once. He loved life to its fullest. We all knew of his accomplishments, and admirations, but only through others. There was never a shortage of conversation and storytelling with Uncle Kenny in the room. He was precious to me.

Visitation: Wednesday, November 23, 2022; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church; 200 West Orange Street; Lititz, PA 17543
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Services: Wednesday, November 23, 2022; 11:00 AM; St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church; 200 West Orange Street; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >