John Thomas "J. T." Keene

John Thomas "J. T." Keene, 77, of Russellville, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 21, 2013, at the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home. He was born September 18, 1935, at Mocassin Creek Kirkroad Township in Benton, to Issac Jackson and Bealuh Beatrice Goins Keene. He was a United States Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, storyteller, cook and reader. He was a member of the York Lodge # 596 in Dover, and a member of the Arkansas State Coon Hunters Hall of Fame. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Junior Keene; and a sister, Eva Dee Gossage. Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Doris Smith Keene of Russellville; five children and their spouses, Jeff Keene of Russellville, Larry "Blue" and Jackie Keene of Springdale, Ronnie Keene of Dardanelle, Brock and Jodi Keene of Russellville, and Melissa and Chuck Hefley of Dover; twelve grandchildren, Rex Holstein, Ashley Keene Kissinger, Weston Keene, Cody Keene, Cory Keene, Justin Keene, Heith Keene, Josh Hefley, Jesse Hefley, Elliott Keene, Elyssa Hefley and Olyvia Hefley; six great-grandchildren, Natalie, Emily and Max Holstein, Brylei Keene, Landon Kissinger and Flynn Keene; two brothers, Alfred Keene and Floyd Keene; three sisters, Nan Meyers, Susie Pruitt and Cora Powell, and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at the Shinn Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Jack Bean, the Rev. Chuck Hefley and Mr. Larry "Blue" Keene. Burial with Masonic honors and military honors will be at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, at Kentucky Cemetery in Benton, by Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. The family will receive friends and family on Monday evening, from 5-6:30 p.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas State Coon Hunters Association Youth Fund, 20 Wilson Cove Road, Morrilton, Arkansas 72110.