Rev. Lowell E. Keeney
The Rev. Dr. Lowell E. “Eddie” Keeney, 80, left his earthly existence Thursday, Apr. 23, 2015.
He was born Oct. 1, 1914, at Eskdale, WV, to Richard A. Keeney and Tersie B. Combs Keeney.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James A. and Charles T. Keeney.
He was a United Methodist minister for over 40 years. He served the churches of Holly Springs Methodist Church in Holly Springs, NC, St. John’s Methodist in Teays Valley, Christ Methodist Church in Mason, Otterbein United Methodist Church in Huntington, Bascom United Methodist Church in Rupert, Quinwood United Methodist Church in Quinwood, Elizabeth Chapel in Ronceverte, Trinity United Methodist in Ronceverte, Steelton United Methodist Church in New Martinsville and Central United Methodist in Charleston, where he retired in 1997. Later he served as interim pastor of the Summersville United Methodist Church, Alderson and Smoot charges. He served on many West Virginia United Methodist Conference committees and boards, as well as district committees where he resided.
He graduated from East Bank High School, earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Salem College, the Master of Divinity Degree from Duke University and the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Drew University.
Besides the church, one of his passions was the Boy Scouts of America, in which he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and to which he gave years of service as a counselor and the program director and assistant camp director at Camp Clifton McClintic, which was the camp of the Buckskin Council. While serving on the camp staff, he was inducted into the Scout of the Mountains and the Order of the Arrow. He served two years in the U.S. Army in the Fort Hood Hospital.
He was the president and past president of the Rupert Rotary Club. Eddie was also active in the afterschool tutoring program at Rupert Elementary School. He was instrumental in organizing the Greenbrier County Committee on Aging, as well as being one of the founders. Due to his service to the Greenbrier County Committee of Aging, he received the Order of the 35th Star by Governor Joe Manchin. This was the highest honor the governor could bestow upon a person who has given service to the people of West Virginia.
Besides being a compassionate pastor, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by: his wife of 58 years, Doloria “Dee” Keeney; daughters, Renee Dasher and husband Eric of Rupert; Lisa Trimmer of Gilbert, AZ and Christina Keeney of Charleston: four grandchildren, Samantha Hayes, Isaac Dasher, Cindy Fonseca, and Chantel Smith: and three great-grandchildren, Zoey Hayes, Elise Hayes, and Aubrey Hayes.
A tribute to the life of Lowell E. Keeney was held Tuesday, Apr. 28 at Bascom United Methodist Church in Rupert where Dr. Joe Geiger and the Rev. Mark Flynn and Chris Scott officiated. Burial was in Wallace Memorial Cemetery in Clintonville.
Relatives and friends gathered with the family Monday evening, Apr. 27, at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Chapel in Rainelle, and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Eddie’s honor to the Bascom United Methodist Church of Rupert.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
