Kenneth E. Keeney

Kenneth E. Keeney of St. James passed into heaven Friday morning February 18, 2022, at Silver Stone Place in Rolla. He was 82 years of age.

He was born March 2, 1939, in Rolla, Mo, the son of the late Luther and Addie Watkins Keeney.

On June 28, 1965, in St. James, he was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Frey.

Survivors are his beloved wife Barbara, of 56 years, three sons: Matthew Allen Keeney of Cuba, Fredrick Gale Keeney, and Donald Jay Keeney, and wife Melissa of St. James. Sisters, Alberta Bullock of Springfield, Mo, and Lola Reed of St. James, along with 5 grandchildren: Matthew Allen Keeney Jr. and Ashey Ballard, Christopher James Keeney, and his wife Stefanie, Courtney Nichole Donze and husband Steven, Carter Jay Keeney, Hannah Elizabeth Keeney, and Hunter Browning. Great Grandchildren: Wyatt Keeney, Jameson Keeney, Royken Keeney, Gracie Keeney, Kamryn Donze, and Kayden Donze.

Kenneth Keeney is preceded in death by his parents.

Kenneth grew up loving to hunt and fish. He was proud of the boat he made himself. At seventeen he wanted to travel the world and persuaded his dad to sign for him to join the AirForce. After his basic training in Texas, he was stationed in Japan. Although this was not a career for him, he enjoyed the experience and brought home many pictures and memories. After trying out several jobs he went to work for United Telephone Company. His career with the phone company lasted 32 ½ years and he retired as a supervisor with Sprint Communications.

After retirement, he spent many hours doing woodworking projects in his shop. Kenneth became a Christian in the early nineties and he loved serving God wherever he was needed. He was a member of the First Assembly of God in St. James and spent many hours working there for his pastor Mick Thrasher. In 2014, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He rarely ever complained as the years became harder, eventually going on Phelps Health Hospice. He and his favorite nurse Hannah Pflantz developed a great friendship as they both loved to sing Marty Robbins songs together. Kenneth was once quoted by his grandson “ If you're going to do something, do it right”. Kenneth was always humble and modest and known by many as a truly kind man. Kenneth did it right, he loved Jesus and his family and now awaits his home in Heaven. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Kenneth Keeney will lie in state from 5-7 p.m. Monday, February 21, 2022, at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.

Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, with Pastor Mick Thrasher officiating. David Robinson will sing Some Call it Heaven, I Call it Home and Sweet Beulah Land, some of Kenneth’s favorite songs. Pallbearers will be Matt Keeney Sr., Fred Keeney, Donald Keeney, Carter Keeney, Matt Keeney Jr., and Chris Keeney. Honorary Pallbearers will be Courtney Donze and Hannah Keeney. Memorials may be given to Phelps Health Hospice or First Assembly of God in St. James. Burial will be in the St. James Cemetery.

All arrangements are under the directions of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO.

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