Robert Lawrence Keene
1950 – 2023
On Thursday, March 16, 2023, Robert Lawrence Keene passed away at the age of 72. Robert was born on July 6, 1950 in New Martinsville, West Virginia to James and Iva Rose (Rosie) Keene (both preceding Robert in death). Robert was the third of ten children including Carolyn, Jimmy, Betty (preceding him in death), Margaret, Connie, Michael (preceding him in death), Bill, Patty, and Janet. Robert is also survived by a variety of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
On May 11, 1969, Robert married the love of his life, Janet Yvonne Armstrong in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Robert served four years in the United States Navy as a Cryptographic Machine Operator, achieving a rank of E-5, deciphering top secret communications. After leaving the service, Robert received his business management degree in 1982 from Central State University (UCO) after 8 tireless years of attending night school, working full time, all while helping Janet to raise their two amazing children, Tara Jean Michelle born January 24, 1972 and Timothy John Michael born December 6, 1974. Robert worked for the United States Postal Service beginning in the spring of 1974, spending 16 years as a letter carrier. He was promoted to a Postal Supervisor, then a Station Manager in Stillwater, then reaching the level of Postmaster at the USPS in Cushing, Ponca City, and finally Springdale, Arkansas where Robert retired after 31 years of service in the spring of 2005. While maintaining a career, Robert served his church as a bi-vocational Youth Minister for 15 years and was also a deacon.
Robert and Janet are true travelers. Summer vacation was a priority when John and Tara were growing up, with Disney World being the most traveled to destination. As a family, they cherished their time traveling, making memories, and having fun together. During Robert and Janet’s early retirement years, they traveled south for more bearable winters, enjoying friendships and camaraderie with other “Winter Texans” near the S. Padre Island area.
Robert’s love and devotion to his wife, Janet, could be seen and felt by all who were witness to their marriage in their nearly 54 years together, and Robert loved his children, Tara and John, with a palpable love. He raised Tara, an avid sports fan, with Sunday afternoon Dallas Cowboys games as their bonding time. He lovingly taught John the ins and outs of mechanics and do-it-yourself projects resulting in a man of so many talents, even Robert was sometimes in awe of his abilities. Ultimately, Tara married John Peterson, a man that Robert loved as his own and felt so much pride in how he led his family, treated his daughter, and provided for them. Eventually, John married Crystal Roberts, who would round out the family as the only other “summer birthday” shared with Robert (a special bond) and their love for one another was reflective of authentic love between a daughter and her Dad.
Over the last 28 years, aside from adventures with Janet, nothing has joyfully occupied Robert’s time more than his 3 grandsons: Zachary, Alexander, and Clayton born to John and Tara Peterson; and 2 granddaughters: Kiley and Madison born to John and Crystal Keene. Robert was an encouragement and source of support to each and every one of them in all of their interests, academics, and athletics.
We are forever grateful to Robert’s sister, Patty Wilson, for the gift of time she gave to all of us. She donated a kidney to Robert in June of 2021, resulting in precious time and memories. We will always remember Robert’s quick wit and sense of humor, and his captivating ability to tell a good story. But, more than that, we will remember him as our spiritual patriarch – leading his family with a heart centered on God and always pointing his loved ones to the cross. We rejoice in God’s merciful healing of Robert, and long for the day when we finally get to meet him at home in Heaven. We will honor and celebrate Robert’s life on Thursday, March 23, at 2pm at Quail Springs Baptist Church located at 14613 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City. For floral arrangements in honor of Robert, please direct to Matthews Funeral Home located at 601 S Kelly Ave, Edmond; in lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a charity dear to Robert’s heart.
My dearest Robert,
Oh how my heart laments your loss. I’ve poured through hundreds of pictures over the last several days and remembered things that were long since forgotten. We have made so many memories together – so many trips we’ve taken together, so many Spring Breaks in S. Texas, so many weekends at the lake, so many holidays, so many regular days – yet now it simply isn’t enough. I hope you knew in your heart just how loved you are. I know that I didn’t tell you the extent of my love for you as often as I should have, I’ll learn from this and do better with sharing with those around me just how much they mean to me and just how much they’ve impacted my life…because few have impacted me more than you. Man, did I hit the jackpot when John chose me to join the Keenes. Not too long ago, Jan told me that we need to get together to play cards because you always loved that – so did we (except when I had to be John’s partner). So, keep 4 chairs open, a deck of cards freshly shuffled, we’ll be there before we know it. I love you so much!
Janet and Robert were our first good friends when we lived in South Texas. We had so much fun as they showed us the ropes traveling to the beach, Mexico and flea markets. We shared a lot of game nights and Sunday church. Robert will be missed by many people as he was a special person. Will be glad to see you on the far side of the Jordan.
Robert, I don’t have words except thank you! For the privilege of praying over you and Patty. I was hoping to meet you this side of heaven but I know one day we will meet there.
Janet, my heart hurts for you and I am praying for you. I know you will be ok as the testimony of both of your lives attest to the presence of Jesus. Know you will continue to be in my prayers.
You are so deeply loved. ❤️
John,
I wish I could have met your father as he seemed like a wonderful man. He has a great and compassionate son that I have come to know in you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
John,
I am sorry to hear about your father. Sending positive energy to you and your family. My thoughts are with you.
Sabrina
John,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Knowing you at work alone reveals his influence on his son. I have watched you exhibit those same behaviors toward your own children, how you take part in the things that interest them, how you encourage them and surround them with your love just as your dad did for his family. Thank you for sharing your dad’s story. You and your family are surrounded by our prayers for comfort, joy, hope and confidence as you all carry your father’s testimony into the future. Yours in Christ, Linda
Jackie & I treasure all the times we shared at South Del/Bryant Ave. Our hearts are at peace knowing we will meet again in Heaven.
Janet:
The last time I saw Robert was at my Mother’s Celebration of Life Service in 2020. I’m thankful that we reconnected on Facebook and thankful that we got to meet up again after so many years. It meant the world to Laurie and I to see and talk with you again. The place in my heart that both you and Robert have is so special. The time and effort you poured into my life as a teen helped shape me I to the woman I am today. I will always treasure the example you both were and the time you devoted to us way back then.
As you enter into this new chapter of your life, I pray that you find comfort in knowing God’s love in a way you’ve never experienced it before.
Debbie (Cleveland) Park