KEENER, David Lee Age 77, of Dayton passed away peacefully on February 20th at home on the farm where he spent most of his life. He was born March 18, 1940 to Mary and Ephraim Keener. As a music educator who taught 37 years in public schools, twenty-eight years were at New Lebanon (Dixie HS) and 10 additional years were at Wright State University. He was also the conductor of the Kettering Civic Band and Concordia Lutheran Church Choir. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Daniel. He is survived by his wife, Karen, sons David (Tina) and Matthew (friend Amber Bechtel), and daughter, Catherine Abner (Jerry). He was an influential mentor to thousands of students who admired and respected his values and knowledge. During his career, his groups achieved many state and national awards, and international recognition. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and former students. We will be celebrating the life of David Keener on Sunday, February 25th, 3:00, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 250 Peach Orchard St., Dayton, OH. 45419. In addition to Sunday's memorial, there will be a musical celebration of his life and legacy on Sunday, March 18th at 4:00 in the Dixie Middle School gymnasium (formerly the High School) where we all spent many years making music under his baton. Anyone who would like to participate in this musical tribute is welcome to bring their voice and their instrument to a brief rehearsal at 1:30 in the gym prior to the celebration. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church or Ohio's Hospice of Dayton in memory of David. Condolences may be expressed online at www.RogersFuneralHomes.com.

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Published by Dayton Daily News on Feb. 22, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for David Keener

9 Entries

Sue Foster

March 7, 2019

I only met David the one time when I spent a few days with you on the farm several years ago, but feel I knew him well through all the stories you shared the many times we were together at sales meetings. I'm so sorry for your loss, Karen. This has to be devastating for you and your family.

Marsha Truett

July 29, 2018

Some reason I was thinking of Dr Keener tonight and I found his obituary. How sad. He was my band director at Miamisburg High School my senior year and I remember him fondly. He also taught me how to sing a little louder, he gave me confidence
I never knew I had. He deserved more respect than I gave him. He was a great man.

February 27, 2018

The Wright State University Retirees Association extends our condolences to the family of David Keener. We also wish to acknowledge his years of service to our University.

Joe Hesseman

February 24, 2018

I learned of David Keener's passing by a text, while in the middle of teaching a college bassoon lesson. It's not unusual for me to take a glance, when I hear a ring, and check if a message is urgent and deserves an immediate response. When I read the text my heart just sank...I just sat in silence. I learned recently Dave had been fighting cancer for quite a while--which seemed unimaginable since I had run into him several times conducting bands with his usual passionate drive and musical insights. We talked and he inquired how things were going teaching and playing in the symphony. It was always great to see him and that smile--remembering he started me on my musical journey many years before at Dixie. Because of my long silence, my student asked, "What was wrong?" I replied, "My beginning band director just passed away." She immediately responded, "We don't have to continue this lesson if you don't want to." I paused and reflected momentarily and said, "No, we have to...because that is what Mr. Keener would want us to do. He would not be happy if he knew I wasted your lesson time not looking at all the details and nuances in your solo you have to perform.
Dave Keener defied the world. While cultures, politicians and lawyers argue what denotes a lie and truth, Dave was like the Rock of Gibraltar in a turbulent sea. He set the standards and anchored it by his personal example and required it in his work and classrooms. He also rejected the world's view of accepting mediocre results and the word "can't". Dave did know, and fervently preached, "we can" and "we will succeed". He would lead you, teach you and motivate you so your road led to success...but you better darn well practice while taking his highway! Dave lived in the "details" with his faith, family, students, professionals and life. I will miss you Mr. Keener...my teacher, ardent supporter, colleague...but most of all friend. My very deepest condolences to all the Keener Family...

The Spathiphyllum Plant by FTD - BASKET INCLUDED

peggy hunnicutt

Sent Flowers

JB at Walt Disney concert hall, LA

John & Christa Brombaugh

February 23, 2018

My deepest sympathy to Karen and your boys from David's Brombaugh cousin, John, who hasn't known where you and David were living on the south side of Rt. 35 east of Dixie High School where I used to visit you prior to moving to Oregon and lost the ways to find where you lived after many moves till you went back to the wonderful old Keener farm. I'll missed getting to see you in the last 40 years but hadn't forgotten you. Love from Christa and me - John, the pipe organ builder who becomes 81 next Thursday.

February 22, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. May God's promise comfort and sustain you during this difficult time. John 6:40.

Deanna Rau

February 22, 2018

David Keener was a very special man. His passion for music was contagious. He made me a better clarinet player by believing in me. Because of Dave, I fell in love with playing my clarinet again - it had been over 20 years since I had seriously played or even taken it out of its case. I will never forget all he did for me as a musician and person. I loved his stories he shared with the band, his humor, and high expectations that pushed us all to become better musicians. I will miss you, Dave. Till we meet again.
Deanna Rau

Betty Williamson

February 22, 2018

My deepest sympathy to Karen and the rest of the family. David certainly touched the hearts of many people during his life. I will always remember the good times in choir and band we had, and of course taking private clarinet lessons from him. These memories of David are very special.

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