Francis Joseph Keene

Francis Joseph Keene, 78, passed away on August 17, 2024, in Port Saint Lucie, FL. Born on June 15, 1946, Joseph was a respected member of his community and a dedicated corrections officer at Kentucky State Penitentiary where he upheld the law with integrity and respect.

Joseph attended Kingsford Park Elementary School in Oswego, NY, and later graduated from Lake Worth High School in Lake Worth, FL, in 1965. He lost his mother, Rita, at the tender age of 7 and was deeply affected by it. His father remarried and he was adopted by his new mother, Jennie Keene, being one of his most cherished memories. His most cherished memory was meeting the love of his life, Wilba Lee, at a lake near his work. They married in 1978 and shortly after had to endure the tragic loss of Wilba's son, Darryl, to a car accident. Joseph and Wilba were a source of strength to each other and were happily married for 33 years until her passing in 2011.

Joseph had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying fishing and hunting. He was also an avid reader and had a deep affection for nature and animals, including his pet cats and dogs. He raised rabbits and even fishing worms. His love for nature and animals was evident to all who knew him.

Joseph is survived by a loving family, including his nieces Laura Knauf, Lisa Lehmuller, Kristin Lewis; nephew, Dwayne Knauf; grandnieces Katie Melendez, Jennifer Knauf, Rebecca Winters Giles, Maren Lewis; grandnephews Daniel Melendez, Adrian Calixto, Skyler Dawson, David Giles, Luke Lehmuller, John Lewis, and great-grandniece Clara Giles. He was preceded in death by his spouse, Wilba Lee Keene; stepson, Darryl Johnson; his mother, Rita Keene and parents, Frank and Jennie Keene; sister, Linda Lewis; nephew, Albert James Lewis, Jr.; and cousin, Linda Newman.

A service to honor and remember Joseph will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6965 Old US Highway 45 South, Paducah, KY, on Thursday, November 7, 2024. 

His commitment to doing the right thing and his love for the natural world will be remembered by all who knew him.