Mr. Donald Elry Keener

Donald lived a life defined by service, devotion to his family, and a generous heart. He married the love of his life, Charlotte, and together they built a beautiful life that would have celebrated 70 years of marriage in the coming months. Their love and commitment to one another were an inspiration to all who knew them.

Donald spent more than 40 years serving his community as a Deputy Sheriff with both the Knox County Sheriff's Office and the Sevier County Sheriff's Office. He took great pride in protecting and serving others, earning the respect and friendship of countless colleagues and community members throughout his distinguished career.

Outside of his career, Donald found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, and traveling with those he loved. One of his favorite sayings was, "I don't have riches, but I can show you the world," a reflection of his belief that life's greatest treasures were found in experiences, family, and time spent together.

Known to many as a jokester, Donald had a remarkable ability to make people laugh and brighten any room he entered. He was also an avid University of Tennessee fan and faithfully cheered on the Volunteers every chance he got.

Of all his accomplishments, nothing brought Donald greater pride than being "Poppie." He treasured every opportunity to cheer on his grandchildren from the sidelines, celebrating each of their achievements and creating memories they will carry with them forever.

Donald was a proud Master Mason (Blue Lodge) and a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason / Shriner. His greatest passion was his lifelong commitment to the Shriners and their mission of helping children. For more than 30 years, he faithfully served as a van driver for Kerbela Shrine Temple, transporting children and families to Shriners Children's Hospitals. He also dedicated countless hours raising funds to support the hospitals, finding great purpose in helping children receive the care they needed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Duel and Alice Keener; and his five sisters, Edna Lane, Thelma Baisley, Marie Bissell, Jeanette McDaniels, and Juanita McCroskey.

Donald leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Charlotte Keener; sons, Deadrick Keener (Kathy) and Tony Keener (Ginger); daughter, Cheryl Nash (Jay); grandchildren, Tori Keener, Andrew Nash (Erin), Nathan Keener (Katie), Brock Keener (Amanda), Michael Nash (Courtney), Brittany Hutchison (Aaron), Brent Keener, Brett Keener, and Stephen Nash (Elizabeth); great-grandchildren, Kadence Keener, Paxton Nash, Oakley Nash, Maverick Nash, Colt Keener, Chloe Keener, Adeline Keener, Tyson Raines, Cameron Raines, Blayne Nash, Hank Nash, Carter Hutchison, Asher Hutchison, Oakleigh Hutchison, Hugh Keener, Emmett Keener, and Athena Keener; one great-great-grandchild, Brice Keener; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee. A celebration of Donald's life will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Family and friends will meet at Berry Funeral Home on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. to travel in procession to Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee, where a 3:00 p.m. interment service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Kennedy Ladd Foundation in honor of Donald's beloved great-granddaughter, Blayne, who has MPS I. Your generosity will help support the Foundation's mission to advance research and bring hope in the search for a cure for MPS I.

Though Donald never measured wealth by material possessions, he was rich in the things that mattered most- faith, family, friendship, laughter, and a life spent serving others. His kindness, humor, unwavering love, and selfless dedication to helping children and his community leave a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.