John R. Keener

John R. Keener, age 84, of Beavercreek passed away March 28, 2019 at the Kingston of Miamisburg nursing home. He was born July 27, 1934 in Fairmont, WV to Jonathan and Helen Keener. He married Mildred McElfresh on March 11, 1954, and they celebrated 65 years of marriage just a couple weeks before his passing.

John served in the US Air Force from 1954-1974, retiring while stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He went on to work as a civilian employee at Wright Patterson until retiring again in 1990.

John and Mildred loved to travel and were fortunate to travel throughout both Europe and the United States. They were active in several RV clubs and made friends wherever they went. They especially loved to travel with their grandchildren, who were included in several of their adventures.

John and Mildred were also very active at Aley United Methodist Church. They attended services regularly beginning in 1972 until health concerns forced them into nursing care a few years ago. Gratefully, their Church Family remained close to them through visits, cards, newsletters and prayers.

John was an avid photographer and was often seen with a camera in hand. He loved to photograph everything from beautiful scenery to his grandchildren's sporting events. He was also a talented artist, skilled in oil painting, water color, and sketching. Eager to pass on his love of art, John also instructed youth art classes at Aley Church and taught some of his grandchildren how to draw.

Above all, John was a kind, sweet, gentle man – a good man! He loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a great listener and would always lend an ear if someone sought advice or encouragement. John touched many lives, was loved by many, and will be greatly missed.

John is survived by his loving wife Mildred and his children: Kathy (Doug) Cleveland , Patty (Ron) Frankson, Jon (Karen), and Mark (Michelle). Also surviving are grandchildren: Bill and Amanda Cleveland, John Curtis Keener, Keri Rocha, Katie Lozano, Hannah and Tess Keener and their mother, Anne Keener; great-grandchildren Adrian Gilchrist, Jonathan Keener, Kaylee and Karlie Rocha, Lexie and Logan Lozano; and brother Jim (Hilde) Keener and sister-in-law Evelyn (Billie) West.

A funeral will be held Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 12:00 pm at Aley United Methodist Church. A visitation will take place from 10 am until the time of service at the church on Thursday.

Burial with military honors will follow the service at Aley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to your local Humane Society, the USO, or Hospice of Dayton.

To share a memory of John or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.