Obituary of James R. Keener

Keener - James R. "Kansas", Sr., 75, of W. Sample Street, Ebensburg, passed away February 6, 2007 at Altoona Regional Health Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. Born October 20, 1931 in Johnstown, son of the late Maurice M. and Dorothy Evelyn (Tibbott) Keener. Preceded in death by brother Russell. Survived by loving son, James R., Jr. and his wife Lesley, grandchildren Alexa Jane and McGwire James Keener, all of Hartford, CT; sister Kathryn Cooper of Sutton, MA., and six nieces and nephews. Jim was blessed by his friends in Ebensburg, especially his buddy Ray Mastrine and his family. Retired from BethEnergy Mine #33. Jim was a Korean War Air Force veteran, having received the National Defense Service Medal. Member and past commander of Ebensburg Post 363 American Legion. Member of the Dauntless Fire Company second alarm crew. Jim adored his grandchildren, was a lifelong fan of Ted Williams, and a faithful fan of the Notre Dame "Fighting Irish". Friends will be received from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., Friday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg, where a funeral service will be held at 8:30 p.m., the Rev. William C. Thwing, officiating. Fireman's Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment with military graveside rites will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in Jim's memory may be made to the Alexa J. & McGwire J. Keener Book Scholarship Fund, c/o the University of Hartford, Office of Development, 200 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford, CT. 06117