Keven Phillip Widener

Keven Phillip Widener, 83, of Salem Oregon passed away Friday, June 29, 2018. He was born in Prescott, Arizona on October 13, 1934. His family moved to The Dalles Oregon when he was 13, where he later graduated from The Dalles High School. Keven attended Willamette university for one year before working for a time. He and Claire Hogan were married June 12, 1954 in The Dalles, and began raising their family. Keven had a varied work career: part of the survey crew on the new Columbia Gorge highway; grocery clerk; 10 years as a firefighter and amubulance driver for The Dalles City Fire Department; after retirement from ministry, Keven worked for Marion County Road Department. After a dramatic faith encounter, Keven and Claire moved their three children to Eugene Oregon to prepare to enter Christian ministry. Keven graduated from Northwest Christian College (now University) with a Bachelor of Ministry. He and his family served churches in Alvadore, Mapleton; Palouse, Washington, and Hood River, Oregon. When not actively pastoring, Keven served as needed where he attended, most recently very involved at First Christian Church in Salem.

Keven loved people and especially enjoyed teaching Bible Studies and praying for others. He also was a life-long fisherman and hunter, camping and hunting/fishing with his wife and friends each year. His other passion was rockhounding, and had a museum quality collection which he enjoyed showing off.

Keven is survived by his wife Claire, their three children: Greg (Jeanne), Kyle (Pat), and Lind (Bob); grandchildren: Rebecca Widener, Keven (Clair) Widener; Kathy, Anita, Lucy and James Widener; Adam, Logan, Gretchen and Micah Birgenheier; two great-grandsons Braydon Birgenheier, and Jack Widener. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Depuy.

A Memorial service will be held at Salem First Christian Church at Marion and Cottage Streets, Monday, July 9, at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements were entrusted to Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors To leave an on-line condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.hed-fh.com