William “Bill” Jefferson Keener, 94, passed away July 11, 2023, at Wellsprings of Westmoreland in Westmoreland, Kan. He was born on March 17, 1929, at Hoisington, to Fred and Frances “Fanny” (Schreiber) Keener. He married Joan Elliott on May 27, 1951, at Great Bend. She died Dec. 5, 2001. 

A former Great Bend resident, Bill was the math and science teacher at Mullinville High School. He was a member of King United Methodist Church in Great Bend and the Walnut City Masonic Lodge #215. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include, a son, Adam Keener and wife Kay Hawes of Prairie Village; two daughters, Debbie Winn and wife Kelly Hanshew of Drexel Hill, Penn. and Peggie Post and husband Dennis of Manhattan; a sister, Betty Misegadis of Rush Center; two sisters in law, Jan Elliott of Great Bend, and Jinny Schneider of Rush Center; five grandchildren, Ben Hanshew, Jill Breuer (Mark), Jenna Nightingale (Cy), Rory Keener and Reagan Keener; and four great grandchildren, Lilly, Luke and Lauren Breuer, and Braden Meyer. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joan Keener; two brothers, George Keener and his wife Evelyn, and Pete Keener; a sister in law, Lois Hickel and her husband Ed; and two brothers in law, Bob Elliott and Dean Misegadis. 

Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, at King United Methodist Church in Great Bend, with Reverend Bill Salmon and Reverend Caroline Morrison presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery with Mason Rites conducted by the Walnut City Lodge #215. Memorials have been designated to the Rush County Amusement Company to benefit the Rush County Fair, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS.  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 22, 2023