Donald R. Keener, 94, a kind man with a gentle smile, quick wit and beloved by many, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at the Williamsport Home surrounded by his family.
Born June 23, 1930, in Williamsport, he was a son of the late Thomas B. and L.B. (Yingling) Keener. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara (Kiessling) Keener on September 2, 2022; and two brothers, Thomas, and Robert Keener.
Donald was a 1948 graduate of Williamsport High School. He graduated from Lock Haven University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He then entered the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean War. Following his military service, Don continued his education by earning his Master of Science Degree from Bucknell University in 1959. Don’s professional career concluded as an Associate Professor of Physical Education at Lock Haven University, retiring in June of 1989.
Don was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Williamsport. For many years, he served as a Board Member for North Central Sight Services, and a member of the Loyalsock Township and Lock Haven Lions Clubs. Donald had a passion for athletics that resonated through his coaching. He was a respected and successful basketball coach for East Lampeter Township High School, Loyalsock Township High School where his team won West Branch Conference Championships, and Lock Haven University. He also spent several years coaching women’s softball at Lock Haven University. These accomplishments aided in Donald earning election to the West Branch Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
In addition to his professional career, Don, and his wife Barb, enjoyed golfing, traveling as AAA escorts, and attending numerous sports and entertainment events while at their winter home in The Villages, Florida, and summers in Williamsport. In their earlier years, they traveled with a large group of friends many times to State College, PA to attend Penn State football, basketball, and volleyball games.
Surviving are his two sons Stephen D. Keener (Cheryl) of Williamsport and Michael R. Keener (Marie) of Houston, TX; eight grandchildren, Josh Keener (Emily), Nick Keener (Nancy), Maggie Keener, Jessica Burnham (Jim), Ashley Wolfe (Travis), Kristen Malecki (Bob), Sam Keener, Grace Keener; 13 great-grandchildren; and his companion, Rita Little.
As Don would have wanted, the entire Keener family would like to extend our collective thanks and gratitude to the many who contributed to the warm and compassionate care Don received over the past few months, including the highly skilled UPMC North Central Williamsport Hospital and Hospice staff, particularly Hospice Nurse, Lou Knapp; Additionally, for the thoughtful and kind hearted services provided by the outstanding staff at The Williamsport Home, personal in-home care providers Mary Jo Hendrickson, Comfort Keepers, and Doctor Lee Ciccarelli.
A memorial service to honor Donald’s life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Trinity Episcopal Church 844 West Fourth St. Williamsport. A time of visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s name to North Central Sight Services 2121 Reach Road Williamsport, PA 17701.
Arrangements entrusted to Knight-Confer Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at KnightConferFuneralHome.com
