Thomas “Tom” Keene

Thomas “Tom” Keene, 75, passed away the evening of Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at Cox Medical Center in Springfield.
Keene was born in Springfield, Dec. 21,1945, and lived in the Ash Grove area all of his life. He graduated from Ash Grove High School in 1963, where he played baseball, basketball, and excelled at pole vaulting and running on the track and field team. He then joined the Army Reserves at age 17.
Keene married his high school sweetheart Judy (Johnson) Keene on May 6, 1966. They had a son, Kevin, and a daughter, Kimberly. The couple was happily married for 54 years.
In 1967, Keene began working at Sears, where he became an appliance repairman and service manager. After his time at Sears, he and a business partner created their own company, Kee Wes Service Co. The business’ first contract was signed on Keene’s 30th birthday. After much success with Kee Wes Service Co., he then started another business, Kee Wes Janitorial Supply, and the company grew to have offices in four states.
Keene was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ash Grove, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, an RA director, and a deacon. He coached several ball teams and was a Southwest Missouri State University Band Booster, following them to events across the country.
Keene was a member of the Chevelle Club and loved going on car trips in his 1966 Chevelle and 1962 Impala with friends. He also got his pilot’s license and loved flying his Sundowner plane. He was IFR certified to fly by instruments.
Keene is survived by his wife Judy, his son Kevin Keene and daughter-in-law Shannon, daughter Kimberly Fields and son-in-law Aaron, brother Dennis Keene and sister-in-law Janie, brother Ronny Keene and sister-in-law Cindy, sister Candy Crocker and brother-in-law Terry, four grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces.
Visitation was Monday, Jan. 25, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home in Ash Grove, from 5-7 p.m.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Ash Grove. Burial
will take place at Ash Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church building fund.