Keener, Clarence K. (d. 1968)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 Oct 3 p. 6

Birth date:

text of obituary:

Missionary Dies in Kenya

Salunga, Pa. — Clarence K. Keener, Eastern Board missionary, died early Monday, Sept. 23, in Nairobi, Kenya. Hospitalized four days previous with breathing difficulties, he developed pneumonia and a collapsed lung.

Clarence and his wife, Lois Garber Keener, served as houseparents of Rosslyn Academy, an Eastern Board school for missionary children. With the growth of the school they were replaced by another couple. Lois continued as principal of the school, and Clarence carried responsibility for buildings and grounds. Both were deeply appreciated in the school and community.

A successful farmer, interested in missions, Keener longed for opportunity for direct involvement. After his children were established in their own homes, he retired from farming and with his wife Lois and her father, Henry F. Garber, he visited Mennonite missions in East Africa and the Holy Lands. Recognizing his health limitations, but eager to spend the useful years that remained to him in direct mission involvement, he and his wife accepted the assignment at Rosslyn.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters and two sons, born to his previous marriage to Sadie Nissley Keener. Eight grandchildren and two sisters and three brothers also survive.

A funeral service was held on Sept. 24 in the Baptist Chapel, with interment in the Nairobi Cemetery. A memorial service was held at Willow Street Mennonite church, Lancaster, Pa., on Sept. 29, with Clayton L. Keener, John A. Breneman, and Paul N. Kraybill leading the service.