William Charles Keens

William Charles (Bill) Keens passed away peacefully on August 7, 2023, at the age of 86 near his home of 50 plus years in Arlington, VA. Bill was born in Albany, New York on February 15, 1937, to father, William George Keens, Jr. and mother, Helen Marie Brooks Keens. The oldest of seven children, Bill attended Albany Academy for Boys where he excelled as an athlete on both football and swim teams. After graduating from the Academy, he attended Virginia Military Institute, in Lexington, Va., and graduated as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He then attended Washington and Lee University, also in Lexington, Va., and was awarded a law degree. Bill met, soon to be wife, Nettie Mildred Harlow, while in Lexington and they were married in Albany, New York, March 1965. Afterwards, they moved to Northern Virginia where Bill finished his military obligation at the Pentagon and retired as a Captain in the U.S. Army. Bill then held various positions including estate planning, research for data processing entities and completed his work life at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. Raised in the Presbyterian faith, Bill remained active as a member of the Columbia Baptist Church, Falls Church, Virginia through his adult life. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nettie, sons; Lewis D. and William R.; brothers; Charles R., James A., and John D., and a sister; Jane E. Connelly. Bill is survived by two sons, Charles Houston and Helen Strohschein, Edward Vernon (wife, Victoria); one daughter, Deborah Darlene Pickett; two daughters-in-law Peggy (Benacki) Keens and Linda (Kling) Keens, brothers Robert B. and Joel T. (wife Anne); and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He, along with Nettie, gave loving support to 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. In keeping with his wishes, a memorial for he and Nettie is being planned. Services are scheduled for Saturday, October 14th at 11:00 am, Columbia Baptist Church Chapel (entrance no. 9), 103 W Columbia St., Falls Church, Va. 22046. Reception to follow. A private family service will be held at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens, 116 Peaceful Ln., Lexington, VA 24450 on Oct 15th at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory payable to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.