John H. Keener

He was born on June 23, 1932, in Albion, to Vaurice and Esther (Rodgers) Keener. He married Mary Lou Allison on July 10, 1952, in Albion, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

John was a long-time teacher and coach. He graduated from Edwards County High School (ECHS) in 1950. His Bachelor of Science (1954) and Master of Science (1960) were earned at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. He began his teaching career in Pana, Illinois, then in 1960 moved to Albion where he taught at ECHS until his retirement. He coached at both ECHS and the Albion Grade School. John was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish and hunt. He also was a fan of horse racing. His gardens were noted for the potatoes he raised. He was a pinochle player. He greatly enjoyed being with his family and watching their sporting events. For many years, he was a baseball coach in the Albion summer leagues and for the American Legion baseball team.

John was elected to the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1979. He was elected to the Edwards County Sports Hall of Fame as a coach and with some of his teams. He was a member of the Edwards County Sportsmen’s Club. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Germany.

John is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Albion; daughter, Valerie Keener, Springfield, Illinois; son, Jeff Keener, Murphysboro, Illinois; grandchildren, Jonathon Keener, Round Rock, Texas, Karli Keener, Murphysboro, Illinois and Cameron Keener, Murphysboro, Illinois; sister, Phyllis McKenzie, Mt. Vernon, Illinois; brother, Frank Keener, Mt. Vernon, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Evalyn Kendrick and brother Don Keener.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 3:00PM at Ingram Funeral Home in Albion with burial in Graceland Cemetery. There will be no public military rites at the graveside. Visitation will be Sunday, August 5, 2012 from 11:00AM until time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Edwards County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit, Albion Baseball Association or the Wabash County Animal Shelter.

Online condolences may be left at www.ingramfh.net.