Kay Co., OK - Obits: Donald Dean Keen ***************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Lovena Norton USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************** November 25, 1999 Donald Dean Keen Donald Dean Keen, longtime Newkirk resident, died Saturday afternoon, November 20, 1999 in Ponca City. He was 63. The son of Cecil T. and Ella S. (Backhaus) Keen, he was born December 30, 1935 at Ponca City. He grew up on a farm northeast of Kildare, attended Kildare grade school, and graduated from Newkirk High School with the class of 1953. As a young man he was a well-known rodeo rider. Over the years, Mr. Keen had been employed by Roberts Mfg. and G.H.R. Mfg. at Ponca City. In July 1956 he entered the U.S. Army serving until January 1963. After receiving his discharge he farmed in partnership with his father at Kildare until 1973. He had also worked in the Research Dept. at Conoco for 33 years, retiring in 1996. Mr. Keen was a past member of the Ponca City Square Dance Club and had traveled extensively with them around the country in past years. He loved to dance and was a current member of the Kaws and Squaws and the Stillwater Wagon Wheels Square Dance Clubs. He had been an assistant trainer for the Wright Training School for Dogs in Ponca City for several years in the past, and was a member of the American Legion Huff-Minor Post #14 in Ponca City. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. John (Sue) Merhoff, Newkirk; his father, Cecil T. Keen, Ponca City; a sister, Mrs. Bill (Marjory) Robinson, Newkirk; one brother, Thomas J. Keen, Newkirk; a step brother, Jack Beller, Costa Mesa, California; two grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; and his very special friend and care-giver, Ginger Smith, Ponca City. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ella Keen; his step mother, Mildred Beller Keen; a sister, Mrs. Kathleen Martin; and two brothers, Virgil Lee Keen and an infant brother. A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 24 in the Miller- Stahl Funeral Chapel with Danny W. Cornish, minister of the Newkirk Church of Christ officiating. Private burial of the cremains will take place at a later time. Miller-Stahl Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established with Hospice of Ponca City. Contributions may be made through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk 74647-0468. -------