Thomas "Tom" Keene

1945 - 2021

Thomas "Tom" Keene

Thomas "Tom" Keene, 75, went to Heaven on the evening of Friday, January 22, 2021, at the Cox Medical Center in Springfield, MO.

Tom was born in Springfield, MO, on December 21,1945, and lived in the Ash Grove area all of his life. He graduated from Ash Grove High School in 1963, where he played baseball, basketball, and excelled at pole vaulting & running on the track & field team. He then joined the Army Reserves at age 17.

Tom married his high school sweetheart Judy (Johnson) Keene on May 6, 1966. They had a son, Kevin, and a daughter, Kimberly. The couple was happily married for 54 years.

In 1967, Tom began working at Sears, where he became an appliance repairman and Service Manager. After his time at Sears, he and a business partner created their own company, Kee Wes Service Co. The business' first contract was signed on Tom's 30th birthday. After much success with Kee Wes Service Co., he then started another business, Kee Wes Janitorial Supply, and the company grew to have offices in four states. He always gave God the credit for his success.

Tom was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ash Grove, MO, where he served as a Sunday School teacher, an RA director, and a deacon. He coached several ball teams and was a Southwest Missouri State University Band Booster, following them to events across the country.

Tom was a member of the Chevelle Club and loved going on car trips in his 1996 Chevelle and 1962 Impala with friends. He also got his pilot's license and loved flying his Sundowner plane. He was IFR certified to fly by instruments. He also enjoyed boating and family time on the lake. Over the years, Tom taught many of his children's friends to water ski and to work on cars.

Tom is survived by his wife Judy, his son Kevin Keene and daughter-in-law Shannon, daughter Kimberly Fields and son-in-law Aaron, brother Dennis Keene and sister-in-law Janie, brother Ronny Keene and sister-in-law Cindy, sister Candy Crocker and brother-in-law Terry, four grandchildren Kristen Keene, Kayla Keene, Josee McGregor, Dalton McGregor, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces.

Visitation will be held Monday January 25, at the Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home in Ash Grove, MO from 5 to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 26, at 10 AM at First Baptist Church, Ash Grove, MO. Burial will take place at the Ash Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church building fund.