Lawrence A. "Larry" Keener

Lawrence A. " Larry " Keener, age 72, of Kirkwood, Illinois; passed away at 3:30 am at his Kirkwood residence on May 30, 2014. He was born on January 5, 1942 in Henderson County, Illinois near Stronghurst, IL. and is the son of Orville W. and Mabel White Keener. He was raised and educated in Kirkwood where he graduated from Kirkwood High School. After graduation, Larry attended Monmouth College where he earned a B.A.degree Education. He then went on to many years of teaching and coaching in Henderson, Warren, and Knox counties. One of his main areas of focus was teaching Building Trades for both Monmouth and Galesburg School Districts. He was also owner and head contractor for Keener construction Company. He built many homes, businesses and completed many projects. Some of the projects were for the Ricketts - Palmer Farms. Larry married Linda K. Schantz on December 27, 1964 in Monmouth, Illinois. She is surviving. Also surviving is one daughter, Karin Keener of Blue Springs, Missouri, and son John L. (Kathy) Keener of Viola, Illinois. Larry is very proud of his three grandchildren, Emily, Kent, and Jennifer. He loved spending time with them when they came to visit. Two of Larry's happiest and greatest accomplishments were completing building projects with his son, John and traveling and singing with his daughter, Karin. Also surviving is a sister, Janice Keener of Kirkwood, Illinois and a brother Kenneth Keener of Bethalto, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents. Services:A memorial service for Lawrence A. Keener will be at 11:00 am on Monday June 2, 2014 at the Kirkwood United Methodist Church in Kirkwood, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded. His family plans to receive friends at the church for visitation for the hour prior to the service on Monday from 10:00 to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers memorial funds are being established for either, the United #304 Education Foundation or the discovery Depot Children's Museum. Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, is in charge of the local arrangements and for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com