Gary Keene Obituary
Gary was born in Evansville, Indiana on January 1, 1936 to the late Walter and Aurelia (Heierman) Keene. He was a 1953 graduate of Reitz Memorial High School. Gary was a talented musician, playing the trumpet in his band the G.K. Orchestra. Gary honorably served in the United States Navy. He started his work career at SIGECO Electric Company. Later he joined the Evansville Police Department, serving as Lieutenant for 32 years retiring in 2000. While on the police department he ran the SWAT Team, the K-9 Unit and was the Eastside Commander. Gary was of the Catholic faith and a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. He was a proud owner of a 1928 Model A and was in the Model A Club. A true air enthusiast, in his free time Gary was often found in the cockpit. He was a member of the Ayer Flying Club in Owensboro, Kentucky. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joan (Helmer) Keene of Evansville, IN; daughters, Lana Miller (Danny) of Chandler, IN and Bonnie Davis (Chris) of Evansville, IN; son, David Keene (Wendy) of Newburgh, IN; sisters, Sandy Zillinkas of Evansville, IN, Marcia Cross of Evansville, IN and Cindy Boarman (Mike) of Evansville, IN; grandchildren, Ashley Luck (Nick), Cody Davis, Morgan Woosley, Spencer Woosley, Joshua Keene (Macy) and Dylan Keene; and 16 great grandchildren.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kay Riggs; and brother, Sammy Joe Keene.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 9:30 am on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2301 N. Stockwell Rd., Evansville, IN 47715 with Father Zach Etienne celebrating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery where the FOP will conduct honors.
Friends may visit from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711 and again from 8:30 am until Mass time on Monday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the FOP Pal Camp, 5417 N. Happe Rd., Evansville, IN 47720.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Larry Dimmett
January 16, 2026
Gary and I would fly every weekend for about 15 years. Right after I had gotten my license I asked Gary when flying at night, what do you do if the fan stops. (Motor quits running). He told me to drop down to about 100 feet above the ground and turn on your landing light. Now I´m writing all this down and he´s as serious as can be. He continued on by saying, turn on your landing light and if you don´t like what you see, turn it off. Got me hooked line and sinker. To all of Gary´s family, I´m so sorry for your loss. Gary will be missed!
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Patty
January 16, 2026
So very sorry for your loss Joanie, Bonnie, Lana and David , Sandy, Marcia and Cindy and Gary´s whole family and friends I thank Gary for his service to our country and to our City. So many wonderful memories I am thinking of today . May Gary rest in perfect peace and May perpetual light shine upon him .
Tom Peake
January 16, 2026
Lana, so sorry for your loss. Looks like he led a very full and happy life! Will keep you and your family in our prayers. Take care. Tom and Lois Peake.
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