Joyce E. "Joe" Keene

06/26/1923 - 02/04/2011

KEENE,
Joyce E. "Joe"
(Age 87)

Joe Keene entered into rest on Friday, February 4, 2011 in Chewelah, WA. Joe was born in Medical Lake, WA to Roy C. and Birdie I. Keene on June 26, 1923, the third of five children. Joe was raised and attended school in the Medical Lake community. In 1943 Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served three years in the U.S. Army and 1.5 years in the U.S. Air Force. He served in New Guinea and the Philippines attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He was cited with American Theater Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, and received an Honorable Discharge. On February 14, 1946 Joe married the love of his life Leona M. "Lonnie" Powers in Mead, WA. They were married for over 52 years until she passed away in 1998. They spent the majority of their married life in the Spokane and Medical Lake communities raising a family of six children. Joe spent a number of years operating a granite quarry and monument company in Medical Lake. He became a state employee working at Eastern State Hospital. He became an LPN and retired as a shift supervisor. Joe was a member of The General Society of Mayflower Descendants. He loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He loved cooking for family gatherings and traveling to visit his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Leona, his parents, two brothers; Clifton and Adelbert Keene, one sister; Myrtle Worthington, one grandson; Jonathan Laitinen, two granddaughters; Kristen Laitinen and Cortney Keene, and one great granddaughter; Alexandria Smith. He is survived by a sister, Jessie Clark of Medical Lake, WA and his six children: James Keene (Rosalie) of Grand Coulee, Gene Keene (Linda) of Jackson, MI, Barry Keene (Tamara) of Spokane, Pam Laitinen (Roy) of Chewelah, WA, Pat Keene of Spokane, Jill Rosser of Spokane. He is also survived by eighteen grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Saturday, February 12th from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM with a Funeral Service to follow at 1:00 PM the same day at Heritage Chapel. A short graveside Service will follow at Marshall Cemetery.