Lt. Col. Raymond Keener, Us Army (Ret)

April 2, 2022, Lt. Col. (ret) Raymond Gene Keener, age 92, passed away peacefully in his home in Millersville, MD. Gene was born on July 21, 1929 in Warren, Ohio to parents Paul C. and Eleanor Otterman Keener. His early years were spent on the Otterman family farm in Freeport, PA. After graduating from Freeport High School in 1947, he enlisted in the Army. While serving in the Army, he continued his education, received his Master’s Degree and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. As base commander in Ethiopia, Gene and wife Jay attended a royal wedding, where they were received by Queen Elizabeth of England. He also served in Germany and Korea during his 33 years of active service. Gene finished his career working as a security advisor at the Pentagon. He was an avid baseball fan, enjoyed league bowling, and lived out his passion for Barbershop harmony singing.

Gene married Josephine Thompson, his high school sweetheart, and they had two children. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Thompson Keener; his daughter, Corby Keener Bailey; his son, David Paul Keener; his brother, Dr. Robert P. Keener; his sister, Dr. Marilyn Keener; and his niece, Kristen Keener. Gene is survived by his son-in-law, Ken Bailey; granddaughter, Carter Bailey; his grandsons, Chris (Rachael) Bailey and Collin (Alex) Bailey; his great granddaughter, Audrey Bailey; his brother, David O. (Catherine) Keener; his niece, Cindy Keener (Tim) Rucci; his nephews, David P. (Jeanie) Keener and Dr. Stephen (Tonya) Keener; his grandnephews, Andrew (Mary) Keener and David C. Keener; his grandniece, Margaret Keener; and many Keener and Otterman cousins. Also surviving are Gene’s loving caretakers for the last several years, Ben Tsamenye and Tracy Merrill.