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.