Garry Lee Keeney, 60, son of William Henry Bennett and Gladys Ruby Hayes Keeney, was born Jan. 15, 1949. He passed away Sept. 4, 2009, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Garry grew up in Licking, attending Licking schools and graduating in 1967.
He was employed as a truck driver for Kenneth Smith, Doriss Clouse and Donnie Storm, eventually owning and operating his own truck. He also served in the military.
Garry knew and loved the Lord. He is at peace with him now, with no more illness.
On Sept. 30, 1967, he married Linda Sue Matchell of Licking. They had three children.
He married Beverly Mitchell on Feb. 20, 1980.
Garry was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Lonnie Keeney and Roy Keeney.
Surviving are his wife, Beverly of Houston, Mo.; his children, Tommy Dale of Licking, Kenny of Ava, Terry and wife Jamie of Houston, Angel Mackeben and husband Dean of Houston, Kimberly McFarland of Rolla, Christy Miller and husband Aaron of Lynchburg, and Leslie Labbee and husband Steve of Raymondville; brothers, Charles and wife Connie of Licking and MB and wife Linda of Rolla; sisters, Dorothy Lotz and husband Don of Licking and Kathy Ryno of Licking; and many nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
Garry was loved by all who knew him. He had a wonderful, playful sense of humor. Anyone around him would love him immediately. He worked very hard and loved his family greatly. He will be missed.
He loved every one of his grandchildren, Shelby, Amber, Tanner, Kaleb, Grace, Paige, Maggie, Cheyenne, Nathaniel, Oceana, Kalyn, Shea, Samantha, Steven, Wesley, Carisa and Garon and one new granddaughter due this month.
Services were 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at First Baptist Church in Houston with Dr. Howell Burkhead officiating. Pallbearers were Dennis “Wildman” King, Tim “Soda Pop” Young, Louie “AC” Miller, Bill “Dollar Bill” Lynch, Justin “2×2” Weaver and Allen “Lil Lead Foot” Quick, Honorary pallbearers were; John “Wulffman” Wulff and Billy Joe “Bandit” Duncan.
Burial was in Arthur’s Creek Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home in Houston.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or Arthurs Creek Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.evansfh.com.
The things that count in life are the imprints of love we leave behind us after we are gone.