Donald "Joe" J. Keene

Donald Joel “Joe” Keene Donald Joel “Joe” Keene, 73, of Midland, Michigan was called home by Jesus on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Meridian Acres in Sanford. He was surrounded by his loving family. Joe, the son of June and Harold Keene, was born on May 23, 1949, in Saginaw, Michigan. He attended Arthur Hill Tech before enlisting in the US Army and served from 1968-1970, including 14 months in Vietnam. On July 25th, 1969, while home on leave, he married Debra Leigh Howe. They had been best friends since early childhood, and he loved to share memories of going across the street at five years old for Sunday chicken dinners cooked by his future Father-in-Law. Joe was employed at GM Grey Iron Foundry as a Blast Operator for 25 years. After retiring, at the age of 46, you could always find him working on something. He went on mission trips to Biloxi, MS following Hurricane Katrina and served locally on the Bullock Creek Work Camp. He also worked as a handyman for Dr. John Pfenninger, taking great pride in caring for the beautiful grounds. As with most things, he enjoyed including Deb, so together they chose and planted the annual gardens. At home, they also enjoyed working in their vegetable garden together, alongside their grandchildren. Joe loved to be outdoors. Some of his favorite activities were hunting, snowmobiling, and riding his Harley. In recent years, he enjoyed being a part of the Wednesday Riders. Joe and Deb also had fun cruising in their motorhome “Buttercup”. His greatest joy was spending time with the grandkids. You could always find Joe, alongside Deb, at school and sporting events. There wasn’t a more proud PaPa there. He leaves behind his wife, Deb, of 53 years, their four children; Brandon (Amy) Keene, Bryan (Kelly) Keene, Breeann (Chad) Helsel, and Brandi (Tim) Russ, and grandchildren; Evan and Logan Urchick, Nick and Zack Keene, Brayden and Brielle Russ, and Ellie and Wyatt Helsel. He also leaves behind his Father, Harold Keene and siblings; Kathy (Mark) Mikula, Mary (Jeff) Rowe, Carol (Bob) Wynn, and Harold (Karen) Keene, Jr, many nieces and nephews, special caregiver Lydia, the loving staff at Meridian Acres and countless friends as he never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his mother, June Keene and his in-laws, Pat and Leigh Howe. Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 25th at 12:00 noon at Midland Nazarene church, 5700 Jefferson Avenue, Midland, Michigan. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. Private burial will take place later in Homer Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Nazarene church or a charity of your choice.

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Donald "Joe" J. Keene

May 23, 1949 - May 19, 2023