Otis Keene

Otis Lee Keene, 89, of Spencer, IN, passed away on June 17th, 2023, in Avon, IN.

Otis was born on November 23rd, 1933 to parents Otis L Keene & Francis Campbell.  Otis served 29 years in the U.S. Navy, retired Chief Petty Officer in 1981. He served in both the Korean War and Vietnam War. Otis married Easter Lillie West on August 3rd, 1971. They had one son, Calvin Lee Keene, on March 22nd, 1974. Otis and Easter were married 32 years until her passing on March 24th, 2005. Otis worked 20 years at Allison's gas turbine as a gear cutter and took early retirement when Allison's was bought out by Rolls Royce.  He continued to be a hard-working man ,continuing to work well past his retirement, holding such jobs like security guard, school custodian, hospital custodian and Walmart door greeter.  He was also an ordained minister graduating from Liberty Bible College institute. Otis was a member of the American Legion #103 and VFW #111 both located in Mooresville, IN. 

In his spare time, you could often find him in the kitchen with one hand on his hip making his famous biscuits and gravy or playing a mean game of euchre, uno, or bingo. He had a love for karaoke singing old country songs, Otis's "hits" included- "Okie from Muskogee", "Waltz across Texas" and "Fighting side of me". Otis enjoyed having fellowship with family and friends, praying over holiday meals, and sitting outside on a warm summer day. But his favorite pastime was spending time with his granddaughter, Averi Keene, and having their Thursday lunches together.  Otis was a proud Veteran who enjoyed displaying his retired veteran hats, pins, and photos. And if you ever needed an ink pen, there was always a pen in his shirt pocket.  And of course, he always had to have his cup of coffee! 

Otis was preceded in death by his mother and father, sisters and brothers, as well as his wife, Easter Keene. Survivors include his sister, Jeanie Wood; his son, Calvin Keene, his "favorite daughter-in-law", Juanita (Bunch) Keene; and his granddaughter, Averi Keene.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Mooresville American Legion Post 103 or the Mooresville VFW post 1111.

There will be a visitation and funeral service on June 24th, 2023, at Indiana Funeral Care, Greenwood Chapel. The visitation is from 12:00pm to 2:00pm with the funeral service to start at 2:00pm. Burial with military honors will take place at Stilesville Cemetery.