Obituaries Archive

Obituaries » Norman D. Keene

Check your settings when you are happy with your print preview press the print icon below.

Show Obituaries Show Guestbook Show Photos QR Code Print
September 16, 1936 - October 29, 2018

In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place and visitation will be at Centre Avenue Church of God, located at 1917 East Centre Avenue in Portage, Michigan on Saturday, November 3rd, beginning at 2 p.m. with a memorial service to honor Norm’s life beginning at 3 p.m. Norm’s family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Hameed and Erica at the West Michigan Cancer Center for their care and concern during his treatment. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Michigan Cancer Center, the SPCA or the Centre Avenue Church of God c/o the funeral home.

Share your Memorial with Family & Friends

Age 82.  Norman passed away on Monday, October 29, 2018.  He was born on September 16, 1936 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Paul H. and Erma Keene.  He met and married the love of his life, Elaine Ruth Drummond on January 16, 1954 and they most recently celebrated 64 years of marriage.  Norm began working at KVP/Brown Company with his father in law early in his career followed by many years working at various service stations as a mechanic. After working with automobiles for many years, he began his career with Fuller Transmission and worked there for many years.  Norman also worked as an over the road truck driver for North American Van Lines, B & B Trucking, Coastal Tank Lines, and eventually retired after many years of service with Chemical Lehman Trucking.  Following retirement, he drove cars for numerous car dealerships throughout the Kalamazoo area.  He enjoyed working on cars and any vehicle that had a motor in it. Norm was also famous for his devotion to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He grew up at the Rose Street Church of God in Kalamazoo. When the church outgrew the space, they built Westwood Church of God (Grace Harbor Church) and he continued to be deeply involved with the Centre Avenue Church of God.  As a man of God, Norm highly respected his pastors, Pastor Tom Tufts, Pastor Arnold DeYoung, and was becoming very fond of Pastor Rich Mitterling, as well. Norm was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Patricia Mills and brothers, Donald and Jim Keene.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Elaine and their children, Brenda (Steve) Penix of Kalamazoo; Norm (Janet) Keene of Scotts;  Michael Keene of Martin, Judy Krill of Florida; Linda (Mike) McNaughton of Vicksburg, as well as six beloved grandchildren, Daniel (Amy) Keene; Christa (Tyler) Sharp; Jimmy (Mindi) Krill; Jason Krill (Alyssa Perry); Mathew (Jessica) McNaughton; Mark (Mandy) McNaughton, and five great grandchildren, Lucas Keene, Henry Keene, Gerald Sharp, Erica Sharp and Jimmy Krill, III, and last but not least, his brother David Keene.