Obituaries

John William Keener, 83

November 01, 2016

John William Keener, 83, of Lancaster passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was the loving husband of Margaret A. “Peggy” (Floyd) Keener.
Born in Waynesboro, PA, he was the son of the late David J. and Bertha (Hess) Keener. John was a graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School and Franklin & Marshall College. At F&M, he ran cross country, wrestled, was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity and the US Air Force ROTC. He received his BS degree in Geology and took graduate courses in the lake area of Canada given by Northwestern University. John served in the US Air Force as a Lieutenant in Houston, TX, where he was an intercept controller. While in Houston, he wrestled for the YMCA where he won tournaments in Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth. He studied accounting and business at the University of Houston. Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he went to work for the Conestoga National Bank in Lancaster in the Trust Department. He then worked for US Gypsum Company in Philadelphia. John acquired Keener Insulating & Supply, Inc from this father, and ran the business for over 50 years. His son, Tim Keener, continues to run the family business. John was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Hamilton Club, Associated Builders & Contractors, Elks, Lancaster Liederkranz, and the Lancaster Tennis and Yacht Club. He enjoyed sports, especially tennis, and bowling at the Elks and Hamilton Club. John was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles who were founded in 1933, the same year he was born. He enjoyed horseback riding with his daughter and spending summers in Avalon, NJ where he rode his bike on the boardwalk. He also enjoyed traveling throughout the world with his wife. A special memory was his 50th Wedding Anniversary cruise with his entire family to the Caribbean.
John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Peggy, three children John Timothy Keener husband of Cindy, Margaret Mary Donegan and her significant other Mark Dubbs, and Patrick Owen Keener husband of Corrine, all of Lancaster, PA; two grandsons Daniel T. Keener and John J. Keener both of Lancaster, four granddaughters Shannon A. Donegan of Lafayette, CA and Moira C. Donegan of Arlington, VA, Kristine A. Keener and Brianna R. Keener both of Lancaster; one great-grandson Deklan T. Keener and one sister Jeanne Cross, Meyersdale, PA. He was preceded in death by a sister Jane Tragesser.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 11AM from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut St. Lancaster, PA 17603 with Fr. Michael E. Messner as celebrant. Interment will be held at Conestoga Memorial Park with military honors accorded by the Red Rose Honor Guard. A visitation will be held from 9:30am until the time of his Celebration of Life at 11AM at the Church.
Please omit flowers and consider a contribution to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church at the above listed address or to the Donor’s Choice.

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Condolences to the Family

December 09, 2016

To Peggy and Pat and all of the Keeners
My sincerest condolances on you loss.  I have known Pat for years and he is a great help to me from across the street.  We have been neighbors on Pitney Road since the mid sixties.
You will be in my prayers at this time of passing.
With sympathy,
Mary Corthouts

December 02, 2016

Dear Keener Family,
Michael and I were saddened to learn of your beloved husband/father/grandfather’s passing.  John was such a dignified and personable man. We will remember him fondly from our summers at the Whitebrier. He was such a gentleman and will missed by many.
May the many wonderful memories live on and give you comfort.
Strength to all,
Cynthia and Michael Fisher
 

November 06, 2016

Dear Peggy, Our deepest condolences to you and your family on John’s passing.  Chris will be saying a Mass for him and we will remember you and your family at the same time.  You are in our thoughts and prayers!  Jimmy and Roe (Rogers)

November 05, 2016

Dear Peggy, Margie, and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing.  We always enjoyed John whenever we would see him at Tennis and Yacht.  He was always so kind, positive and a joy to be around.  I know that you will have so many memories to cherish.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  He will be missed.
Love and hugs, Joyce and Jere Baker
 

November 05, 2016

Margie, Your dad was a very special man and I am so honored and blessed to have met him and been a small part of his life. My thoughts, prayers and tears are with you during this difficult time. He will always be apart of my 4th floor activity room and our Saturday movie matinees watching John Wayne movies, Tina

November 04, 2016

Dear Peggy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing.  My dad, Everett, used to enjoy any time he spent with John.  I remember him visiting us at the family farm when I was pretty young. I used to hear amusing stories of how much the cousins enjoyed each other’s company when the families got together.  My husband and I will be away in NYC over the weekend, so we will miss the service. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this sad time.  John had many accomplishments throughout his lifetime.  He and Peggy were always kind and friendly any time our paths crossed.
With sympathy,
Diane Keener Kreider, husband, Dave Kreider, and sons, Joel and Zane

November 03, 2016

I remember when Mr. Keener had horses with my father and his company was on mifflin st for i grow up on east end ave. Sorry for your loss. Tim and family we knew all our lives..    JOE DeMORA jr.

November 03, 2016

Dearest Peggy, we are all sadden by the news of John’s passing.  He was always so kind to the Rogers family and we always respecred how he treated Aunt Marge.  He fought a great battle and I know he has recieved his rewards.  My prayers are with you and your family.  With all my love, Ann Rogers.

November 03, 2016

To John’s family,
I had the pleasure of knowing John & Peggy during the many years that I worked at Kegel’s Seafood Resturant. John & Peggy were some of the nicest people ever. Very glad that our paths in life crossed. I know you will miss him so much. Hold those memories tight.
Dottie (Dee) Jamison

November 03, 2016

Please accept the condolences upon your loss, from the Officers and Trustees of the Lancaster Liederkranz. I am sorry I will not be able to attend John’s Celebration of Life on Saturday. A moment of silence will be observed, out of respect for John and your family, tonight at the monthly meeting of the Liederkranz. Bob Kilp, President, Lancaster Liederkranz.

November 03, 2016

To all of the Keener “clan”,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Pap was an amazing man and will be greatly missed.  My love and prayers are being sent to you at this time.
 
Katie Bammel

November 03, 2016

Of course, Bruce and I are so sorry and will miss him. Bruce remembers him so well from F&M where they both wrestled. Of course, Peggy, you and I have been so close since freshman year in high school. I wish we could be there for the service but will be there in our thoughts and prayers. Sending you hugs and kisses. When I heard this, I felt and am feeling so empty inside for we love you and John so very much. I will be talking to you soon and praying for you and your precious family. Fondly, Mary Ann and Bruce
YOU MARRIED A SPECIAL MAN………..<3
 

Visitation
Saturday, November 05, 2016
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
558 W. Walnut St.
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Saturday, November 05, 2016
11:00 AM
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
558 W. Walnut St.
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

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