Fred Edward Keown Jr.

1935 - 2024

Fred Edward Keown, Jr., was born on April 15, 1935, in Morgantown, Kentucky, to Fred and Mae Keown. At the age of eight, Fred moved with his family to Indiana, where his father worked as a farmhand for Jack McKinney and later Harold Johnson. The family settled in the countryside near Windfall, Indiana.

Fred attended Windfall High School, where he played basketball for the Windfall Dragons from 1950 to 1954, graduating in 1955. He married Joyce Ann Rubush on January 14, 1956, in a ceremony at Tipton First Presbyterian Church. Together, they shared a loving and devoted 68 years of marriage.

In 1959, Fred and Joyce moved to Swayzee, Indiana, where Fred built a new home for his growing family. A skilled craftsman, Fred worked as a tool and die maker at Fisher Body for 41 years, retiring in 1997. He took great pride in his work and in the life that he built for his family.

Fred was a descendant of Thomas Keown, who was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1743. Thomas and his brother, Alexander, emigrated to the American Colonies, arriving in Charleston, South Carolina, where both served during the American Revolution.

Fred passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024, outside Georgetown, Kentucky, at the home and farm of his son, David.

Fred is survived by his children: Karen Keown of Folsom, California; David Keown and his wife, Terry, of Georgetown, Kentucky; Jeffery Keown of Los Angeles, California; and Lisa Brookshire and her husband, Lee, of Converse, Indiana. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Samantha Keown Raymer and her husband, Nathan; Alicia Keown of Georgetown, Kentucky; Willis Brookshire and his wife, Abbie, of Amboy, Indiana; Miranda Brookshire of Converse, Indiana; and Sydney Brookshire Keifer and her husband, Hayden, of Cedar Springs, Michigan. Fred was also a loving great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren: Jackson Raymer, Weston and Hudson Brookshire, and Grayson Keifer. Fred was also a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Fred's life was defined by his strong work ethic and devotion to family. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication and love that will be cherished by those who knew him.

The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Converse Church of Christ, 301 E. Wabash St., Converse, IN.

Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Fred's life will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Thrailkill Caemetery, just north of Swayzee.

Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Rybolt Chapel, 314 N. Washington St., Swayzee, IN.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.