Clayton Allen Keene

BANGOR -- Clayton Allen Keene, 87 1/2, of Farmington, died early Saturday morning, March 7, 2009, at the Maine Veterans' Home in Bangor.

He was born on June 19, 1921, in Brunswick, the son of Walter W. and Lelia (Wiggin) Keene. He attended Bingham and Farmington schools, graduating from Farmington High School. He went on to attend Farmington Normal School and later Aircraft Mechanics School in Goldsboro, N.C., from where he served in the Army Air Force during World War II. He also schooled in Middle River, Md., and the Glen L. Martin Factory in Fort Crook on the B-26. He was proud to be aboard the first test flight of the B-26. Upon his return from the service he took courses at the Auburn School of Commerce in 1948. He married L. Pauline Currier on Sept. 11, 1949.

Mr. Keene worked throughout his life starting as a young boy delivering papers for the Franklin Journal in Farmington and later at the State Theatre in Farmington as a projectionist. In his adult life after the military he worked as a cost accountant for Forster Manufacturing in Strong, Farmington, East Wilton and Wilton.

He was a member of many organizations including the American Legion, Henderson Memorial Baptist Church in Farmington, Farmington Area Baptist Men's Association, West Area Baptist Men's Association, American Baptists of Maine Men's Association, past president of the Franklin County Stamp Club, past president of the Hampture Hill Cemetery Association in Mercer, Farmington Historical Society, American Baptist Bible of the Month Club, Forster Bowling League, World War II's 410th Bomb Group Association, Agricultural (Fair) Association, Senior Citizens and the Gideons.

He also enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, bowling, and volunteer driving for many activities.

He is survived by his loving wife, L. Pauline Keene of Bangor; a son, Raymond Allen Keene of Waterville; a daughter, Rachel Elaine Bryant and her husband, Caroll, of St. Albans; grandsons, Nathaniel and Michael Bryant; nephews, Thomas Keene of Westbrook, David Keene of Gorham and Gordon "Danny" Keene of Orland; a niece, Katherine Eastman and her husband, Richard, of Center Lovell and a cousin, Polly Keene, of Florida.

He was predeceased by brothers Harold, Stanley and Chester Keene; and a niece, Sue Keene Arnold.

Friends wishing may make donations to the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church memorial fund, P.O.Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938.

Funeral services will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church in Farmington with the Rev. Dr. Susan Crane officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will take place at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Family and friends are also invited to call from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the Wiles Funeral Home, Cremation Service & Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington.

Spring interment will be at the Riverside Cemetery in Farmington.