Obituary of Lewis Olin Keener

Lewis Olin Keener, 84, passed into the loving arms of his dear Savior on Friday, December 9, 2011. Waiting for Lewis in Heaven were his parents, William Rufus and Mattie Blanton Keener, sisters, Ruth Keener Norman and Lucille Keener Peterson and sweet daughter, Donna Lynn Keener. He was a lifelong native of Jackson County and Veteran of WWII serving in the Air Force. Lewis was a graduate of Sylva High School and retired from Dayco Corporation after 45 years and Day International in Arden. He was a former member of Ochre Hill Baptist Church having served as Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, and was instrumental in the building of the new Ochre Hill Church and parsonage. He loved music and sang in the choir. Lewis was very active in the Democrat Party and served two terms as Chairman. He was also a former member of the Social Services Board. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jean McClure Keener and daughter Debbie Hage and her husband Jim of Sylva. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Sunday December 11 from 6 until 9 PM at Appalachian Funeral Services. Funeral Service will be at Scotts Creek Baptist Church, of which he was a member, on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 2:00 PM. Officiating will be Rev. Johnny Lee and Rev. J.D.Grant. Burial Will follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scotts Creek Baptist Church Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 97 Steeple Rd., Sylva, NC 28779. An online registry is available at appalachianfuneralservices.com . .