John Milton Keene

1930 - 2016

SPRINGFIELD- John Milton "Bear" Keene passed away Mon, April 25, 2016. He was born Oct 5, 1930 in Springfield, KY to Catherine Thompson Keene and James William Keene. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years, Sarah Jane "Sally" Clarkson Keene, his parents and his brothers and sisters: James, William, Edward and Marlyn Keene and Lillian Keene Hill and Sr. Sue Keene, O.P., his son-in-law, Rick Smith. He is survived by his children: Thomas Clarkson Keene (Muggs), John Milton Keene Jr., Charlotte Ann Shumway (Michael) Joseph Martin Keene (Angela), Molly Taylor Smith, James Edwin Keene, Virginia Barbour Drury (Paul) and Catherine Linton Clements (Joe), 17 grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Lyn Clarkson and a large number of nieces and nephews. Bear was a member and past Grand Knight of Council 4270 Knights of Columbus, Springfield. He was a faithful parishioner at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Springfield and volunteered in several capacities there, including many years on the berevement 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 a firm belief in Catholic education. Those who knew him loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Dominic School in Springfield, KY or Bethlehem High School in Bardstown, KY. Visitation will be from 3pm till 8pm Thursday, April 28 at Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home in Springfield, KY. A prayer service will be held at 7pm Funeral mass will be conducted at 11am Fri, April 29 at St. Dominic Catholic Church with burial in St. Rose Cemetery in Springfield.