Jack D. Keener

Jack Dewayne Keener, 87, of Mapletown, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Born on March 13, 1938, in Listonburg, Pa., Jack was the son of the late Evie Cecil and Edna Blanche (Nedrow) Keener.

Jack attended Mapletown High School through 9th grade. As a young man, Jack worked countless hours on the family farm. In 1961, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for two years, being honorably discharged in 1963. Only six months after returning from service, Jack started his 37-year-long career with the Iron Workers Union Local 549 in Wheeling, W.Va. His professional contributions can be seen in the construction of the WVU Coliseum, various hospitals and bridges throughout West Virginia, and SCI Greene. On December 9, 1972, he married his sweetheart, Jean Marie Watson. They shared 52 wonderful years together until her passing on August 4, 2024.

Jack was a member and trustee of the Mapletown Methodist Church. He was also a member of the church's dartball team. Jack enjoyed being outdoors. His hobbies included hunting and fishing, and since retiring, he could often be found on the golf course. He had a love for collecting tractors of all kinds, even winning an award with his ugliest tractor of all.

Jack's love for his family was always evident. His girls fondly remember him as the official Christmas morning pancake maker, you never needed more than two to be full. When the girls were young, he eagerly awaited softball season, and enjoyed many years of coaching their teams in the King Coal Softball League. Of all of the ways that Jack could spend his time later in life, his favorite was that spent with his family.

Jack was known to go above and beyond, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. When packing for family trips, it was a requirement that extra space be left in the trunk for his fully stocked toolbox, because you just never know when you might happen upon someone in need of assistance along the way. Jack had a unique knack for fixing things that were never even broken to begin with. It was a little something that became known as being “Keener-fied,” and it will surely be missed.

Left to carry on his memory are his three daughters, Jennifer Loomis (Patrick) of Asheville, N.C., Melanie Keener of Uniontown, and Leah Bennett (Christopher) of Mapletown; seven grandchildren, Ethan Keener, Makenzi Keener, Braden Nicklow, Reese Loomis, Archer Loomis, Devin Bennett, and Ainslee Bennett; six sisters, Freda Scott and Margaret Gotses both of Fairmont, W.Va., Shirley Hartley (Carl), Barbara "Pidge" Haines (Tim), and Carolyn McFarland (Cecil), all of Mount Morris, and Nina Hayhurst of Morgantown, W.Va.; along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Jack was preceded in death by sisters, Betty Haines and Marlyn Keener, and brothers, Robert "Buck" Keener and Darrell Keener.

The family wishes to extend their deep appreciation for the care provided by the staff of Amedisys Hospice.

Family and friends are welcome from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Yoskovich Funeral Home, Inc., Carmichaels, Pa. A service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, August 4, 2025 in the funeral home, with Rev. Lanfer Simpson officiating. Interment will follow at Monongahela Hill Cemetery.

The family suggests donations be made to the Mapletown Methodist Church, PO Box 502, Greensboro, Pa. 15338.