Dell Roy Keene

DELL ROY KEENE died peacefully under hospice care on August 11, 2012. He was born in Southgate, California, to Leslie LeRoy Keene and Margaret Cook Keene in 1942. Dell was an intelligent and driven child, becoming an Eagle Scout, a remarkable competitive chess player, and an avid tennis player. After college, Dell did early work in computer engineering for IBM, GTE Data Services and finally working computer systems operations for Aramco. While pursuing this career, Dell and his wife Jo Ann Keene, pursued the opportunity to live in Saudi Arabia for 15 years. During this time they were able to travel extensively, visiting over a hundred countries. The stories and photos of their adventures have brought delight to their children, grandchildren and their first great-grandchild. After taking retirement at 59, they both returned to the United States. Moving to Missouri City, Dell was able to dedicate time to other pursuits. After working on projects for the Fort Bend Master Gardeners, Dell became a Master Gardener. His love of beauty and nature remained with him to end of his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife of thirty years, Jo Ann Keene. He also has three daughters: Sherri Plaas, Katherine Keene-Doyle and Lynn McAllister; fifteen grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and his beautiful Sheltie dog, Lexie. All of whom were sources of great love, inspiration and pride for him. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Keene and his family.

Gifts to his memory may be given to:

M.D. Anderson Cancer Research and Houston Sheltie Rescue.

The family offers sincere thanks and appreciation to the wonderful caregivers at Solaris Hospice.