Robert Lowell “Bob” Keene, 100, of Coldwater, formerly of Union City, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024 at Grand Vista Assisted Living in Coldwater, under hospice care.
A private graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Union City.
The family is being served by Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation of Union City.
Bob was born on July 25, 1924 to Hayden and Elda (Lowell) Keene in Battle Creek, Michigan. He was raised around Leroy Township and lived in the Athens and Union City area all of his life.
While attending Michigan State University in East Lansing, he married the love of his life, Barbara Marie Yeager June 7, 1947. The couple would remain married for 70 years until her death May 29, 2018.
Following graduation from MSU, Bob continued his education at Western Michigan University, where he earned a master’s degree in education. He was a teacher at Colon schools in the early 1960’s and in 1964 he began working at Union City schools where he was the principal for Burlington, Union City, and Sherwood Elementary schools. He would later teach in Mission, Texas from 1974 through 2009, but would always return to Union City during the summers.
Bob had many hobbies such as traveling, with many trips by rail train. He was an avid horse person and owned horses until he was 90 years old. Bob very much loved his family and grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his son, Lowell (Lynnette) Keene of Athens; his sister Sandra Keene of Albuquerque, NM; his son-in-law Mark Yankovich of Traverse City; grandchildren Michelle (Adam) Wallenberg, Steve Keene, Jesse (Christy) Keene, Danny (Katelyn) Keene, Erin (Aristotle) Ford and Lauren (Nick) Leibler; and great-grandchildren, Jordan Keene, Haley Keene, Matthew Hooson, Benjamin Hooson, Asher and Emery Ford, Julianna, Maelee, Emmalyn Leibler and Joni Keene; and his great-great-grandchild Mateo Hooson.
In addition to his wife Barbara, Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Melinda Yankovich (2010).
Memorial contributions can be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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