R. Keene Christopher

1936 - 2026

R. Keene Christopher

July 25, 1936 - March 10, 2026

R. Keene Christopher, 89, of Conquest, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Born July 25, 1936, in Auburn, Keene was the son of the late Ralph W. and Marian (Wheeler) Christopher. He grew up in Weedsport, graduating from Weedsport High School in the Class of 1954, and later earned a degree from SUNY Morrisville. Keene proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an airplane mechanic, a role that reflected both his mechanical skill and his lifelong love of aviation.

From an early age, Keene was no stranger to hard work. He spent his younger years on the Christopher family farm, often setting animal traps before heading off to school in the morning. Over the years, he held a variety of jobs, including driving fuel trucks for Ashland, before following his entrepreneurial spirit. He founded Airkrete and spent the last 30 years leading the company, which became a well-known and respected business based in Weedsport.

Keene was an adventurer at heart, with a deep and abiding love of flying. Growing up near Whitford's Airport sparked a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. He owned and operated several airplanes over the years, using them for both business and pleasure, and found great joy in the freedom and challenge of being in the air.

Above all, Keene cherished his family. He is survived by his daughter, Lauren Ann Christopher; his sons, Mark Keene Christopher and James Scott Christopher (Laura); and his six grandchildren, Ann, Christina, Kyle, Emma, Thomas, and Katie, a great source of pride and joy. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce Christopher (Kathy); his sisters, Carole Christopher (Rick Pollay) and Marian "Bitsy" Davie; along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Keene was predeceased by his beloved first wife, Ann Whitman, and his loving second wife, Margaret Fabian. Through his Christian faith, he found comfort in the promise of reunion with those he loved.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Keene's life on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Weedsport Masonic Lodge. A Masonic service will begin at 3 p.m., with light refreshments and fellowship to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Keene's memory may be made to the Ann Whitman Christopher Scholarship, P.O. Box 506, Weedsport, NY 13166, or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, select "Give in Honor" of R. Keene Christopher.

To offer condolences, visit whitechapelfh.com.