Jack Clawson Keene, 91, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, in Sun City Center, Florida. Born on January 13, 1935, in Connersville, Indiana, Jack lived a full and accomplished life marked by dedication to his family, career, community, and country.

Jack’s parents Clawson Otis (known to all as “C.O.”) and Mildred were both college graduates and instilled a strong moral and educational compass onto their two sons, Jack and William (Bill) from an early age. Jack worked at his father’s dairy, Keene’s Parkview Dairy, in Lancaster, OH while in high school, enjoying it’s proximity to the Fairfield County Fairgrounds and beautiful Rising Park, where he had fond memories of scaling Mount Pleasant as a child. This would be something he introduced his own children to when returning to Lancaster over the years visiting family still living in the area. His children recall several family vacations growing up travelling to Niagara Falls (where he and his first wife Marilyn honeymooned), colonial Williamsburg for the nation’s bicentennial, and a particularly memorable camping trip to Lake Hope, Ohio one summer. His son Jeff is grateful for all of the hours spent with his dad playing football and baseball in the back yard, and with slot cars and trains that he set up on the old ping pong table in the basement.

Jack graduated from Lancaster High School in 1953 and went on to earn a degree in Business from Ohio University in 1957. His professional journey began at Higbees Department Store in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1958. Over the years, Jack built a distinguished career that included serving as a business executive with Greyhound Bus Lines and later as Head of the Ohio Prison Industries for the state of Ohio. He retired in 2000 after decades of impactful service.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, and Army Reserves. Jack served his country with honor and achieved the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged in the 1960s. His commitment to service extended beyond his military career; he was an active member of the Ruskin VFW Lodge 6287 and Apollo Beach Moose Lodge 813. He was always ready to help a friend in need, whether with a home improvement project or a lift to the grocery store.

Jack was a member of the Lancaster Presbyterian Church, where his brother, the Reverend William Keene, occasionally led the Sunday Service and sermon. Jack found joy in simple pleasures such as reading historical novels and watching old westerns and mysteries on TV. He enjoyed playing golf, bowling and singing karaoke with friends at local Apollo Beach establishments. He sang a pretty good version of “For The Good Times” by Ray Price.

Jack is survived by his partner of ten years, Beverly Singleton; daughters Kim Keene of Perry Park, Colorado; Cathy Senig of Lancaster, Ohio; and his son Jeffrey Keene of Denver, Colorado. He also leaves behind three beloved granddaughters: Jennifer Green of Lancaster, Ohio; Natalie Swanson of Oviedo, Florida; and Luna Keene of San Francisco, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clawson Otis Keene and Mildred (Swain) Keene, as well as his brother William Keene. His first wife Marilyn (Huston) departed in 2002, and his second wife Mary in 2015.

Jack’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and service. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

A Memorial Service in his honor will be held in mid September in Lancaster, OH.