Charles Harris Keene Sr.

Charles Harris Keene Sr. passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024 in Durant, OK. Arrangements are under the direction of Wise Funeral Home, Bonham, TX.

Charles was born on May 5, 1928 in Canyon, TX to parents Harris and Evelyn Keene. Charles grew up in Ivanhoe, TX where at the tender age of 16 he gave his life to Christ and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Ivanhoe. He graduated from Bonham High School in 1947 and went on to attend Paris Junior College. Charles had a deep love for his country and enlisted in the United States Airforce from 1950 to 1952. While serving he traveled to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and Fairbanks, Alaska as a staff sergeant and flight engineer. He married Paula "Joyce" Sangster on May 25, 1956 and they had 3 children, Paula Kay, Charles Harris Jr., and Kardina Renee.  After his time in the military he worked as a jet engine mechanic at Perrin Air Force Base in Sherman, TX until it closed. He then transferred to Tinker Air Force base in Midwest City, OK in 1970 and retired in 1985. Charles enjoyed working on his farm, raising cows, watching the stock market. He enjoyed  westerns and Sci Fi movies and watching the Texas Rangers baseball games.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Harris and Evelyn Owens, daughter, Kardina Eaton, and brother Jack Keene.

He leaves behind many that will carry on his legacy, wife, Joyce Keene; daughter, Paula Keene and husband John; son, Charles Keene Jr. and wife Brenda; grandchildren, Katie Clark and husband Nathan, Ethan Keene, Lauren Keene, Trey Keene and wife Kayla, Bobby Pierce, great grandchildren, Barrett Lee, Ryan Cole, Breelyn Nicole, Arlene Jane "AJ", and Orlena Rue.

Visitation will be Monday, January 8, 2023 from 5pm to 7pm at Wise Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Tuesday, January 9, 2023 at 1:00pm at Wise Funeral Home Chapel, burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery, Ivanhoe, TX.