Paul E. Keener, 65 of Abingdon, passed away at 6:23 p.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at the OSF St. Mary Medical Center Emergency Room in Galesburg. He was born April 23, 1954, in Macomb, the son of Earl L. and Clara E. (Smith) Keener. He married Brenda Jo Smith in March of 1976. Paul is survived by Brenda; two sons, Larry Keener of Abingdon and Kevin Keener of Avon; one granddaughter, Bailey Jamerson of Abingdon; four grandsons, Trent Sandman and Justin Keener both of Abingdon, Kolten Keener and Kamron Keener both of Bushnell; one brother, Richard (and Connie) Keener of Marietta; two sisters, Margo Bricker and Cynthia (and Dean) Leenerts all of Woodstock, Georgia; nieces, nephews, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Paul grew up in the Prairie City area and graduated from Bushnell-Prairie City High School. In his early years, he worked at International Harvester in Canton and later became a truck driver and drove for Knoxville Transport for 18 years and later for Gates Transportation for 8 years before retiring. He loved working outside, playing the lottery, going to the River Boats and watching the Chicago Cubs games. In his younger days, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. Even in death, Paul is helping others as he is a donor in the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network. As he requested, private services will be held at the Abingdon Cemetery. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Kevin Keener, 352 McGrew Drive, Avon, IL: 61415. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
