Cover photo for Ronnie Keener's Obituary
Ronnie Keener Profile Photo
1932 Ronnie 2018

Ronnie Keener

May 21, 1932 — June 21, 2018

Ronnie Keener
1932-2018

MAIDEN – Ronald "Ronnie" Nixon Keener, 86, died June 21st at his home in Maiden, NC. He was born May 21, 1932, the son of Carr Keener and Alda Keener Klutz.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and two brothers Worthy Keener and Bob Keener.

Ron joined the US Marine Corp in 1950 at the start of the Korean War. Where he was a Sergeant in the 1st Marine Division assigned to a reconnaissance platoon, he was involved in two major battles, the liberation of Seoul called Operation Chromite and the Chosen Reservoir to the Hungman Perimeter. In his early years he opened Keeners Men's Shop in Maiden. He was Civil Defense Director for Catawba County during the Cold War and organized men for round the clock surveillance. He was successful in building an observation tower. Ron was a member of 1st United Methodist Church. He was a life member of the Marine Corp League, a life member of American Legion Post 240 and served as Commander and adjutant. He was appointed to the NC State Boys State Committee and served as counselor at Catawba College. He is a member of the Masons, VFW and 40 & 8. He was a charter member of Glen Oaks Golf Club. Ron retired from Carolina Freight and was elected Secretary, Treasurer, and B.A. of Teamster Local Union no. 61. He then began substitute teaching in the school system as well as being a transporter for Juvenile Justice. He helped with early voting and elections. Ron also loved selling and gathering with friends at the flea market. He was greatly loved by everyone and will be deeply missed by his family.

He is survived by his wife Pat Auton Keener, his son Ronald "Nick" Keener Jr. and wife Gena, daughter Trudy Sigmon and husband Allen, grandchildren Ronald "Nicky" Keener III and wife Elizabeth, Andrew Keener, Hannah Sigmon, Luke Sigmon, and Justin Sigmon, great grandchildren Samuel, Thomas, and Evelyn Keener, and Finley Sigmon.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 24th prior to the Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 24th at First United Methodist Church, 303 North Main Avenue, Maiden, NC 28650 with Reverend Tony Jordan officiating.

Interment will follow at the Maiden Municipal Cemetery with Military Honors by the Catawba Valley Marine Corp League.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 303 North Main Avenue, Maiden, NC 28650.

Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia 704-864-5144 is serving the Family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronnie Keener, please visit our flower store.

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