Bernard Shelton Keene

Bernard Shelton Keene

COLUMBIA - A memorial service for Bernard Shelton Keene, 83, will be held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2013 at Palmetto Church of Christ. The service will be conducted by minister Mike Hollis. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Mr. Keene was born April 4, 1930 in Steele, KY and passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2013. A son of the late Asa Bradley Keene and Shirley Jones Keene, he was raised in Pikeville, KY and was a graduate of Pikeville High School. Bernard was a life-long Christian and a former member of St. Andrews Road Church of Christ, where he was a Deacon, Elder, Treasurer, Trustee, and Bible Class teacher. He attended Palmetto Church of Christ, where he was a founding member and Trustee. Mr. Keene retired from Sears after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 55. Upon his retirement, he became an active Palmetto Health Hospice volunteer until his own illness prevented him from further service in this capacity. “Bernie” was admired for his unflagging determination and good humor. Despite ill health, his positive spirit enabled him to enjoy his hobbies of fishing, bowling and restoring his 1930 Model A Ford. He loved God, family and friends, and always appreciated good food. He will be remembered for his kindness and his Christian example to everyone that knew him.

Mr. Keene is survived by his wife, Kathryn Lorraine Ferrell Keene; daughters, Vanessa K. Patrick (Frank) of Prosperity; Elizabeth K. Long (David) of Columbia; grandchildren, Cory Keene Patrick, Kelly Kathryn Patrick, Harrison David Long, Bradford Daniel Long, Kathryn Campbell Long; sister, Blanche K. Harrison of Florida; brothers, Maurice Keene and Lowell Keene both of Kentucky; brother-in-law, Vanidan “Buddy” Ferrell. He was predeceased by his brothers, Warren C. Keene, Gordon Randall Keene and sister, Mary Elizabeth Keene.

Mr. Keene’s family extends a special thanks to his wonderful caregivers at Carroll Campbell Place and Tri-County Hospice.

Memorials may be made to Palmetto Bible Camp, 140 Fall Creek Road, Marietta, SC 29661 or to the Southeastern Children’s Home, 115 Childrens Way, Duncan, SC 29334.

Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Irmo/St. Andrews Chapel is assisting the family