1938 – 2016

LITCHFIELD — Ernest Rodger Keene (Ernie), 78, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 3, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Feb. 6, 1938, in Alexander, to Robert and Doris (Hunnewell) Keene.

He was very proud of his military service, serving first in the U.S. Air Force and then retiring from the U.S. Navy in 1974 while stationed at the Brunswick Naval Air Station. He was proud to have served in both branches.

He was the proud owner of Keene’s Electric for many years. He found his passion teaching electricity at the Capital Area Vocational Center in Augusta.

Ernie was very active in Boy Scouts Troop 689. He was also a proud member of American Legion Post 181, serving in several positions, first as commander and then as adjutant for both the local post and the district. He was a master Mason of Masonic Morning Star Lodge 41, having served as secretary and treasurer.

Ernie took great pride over the years in making sure that every veteran’s grave in Litchfield was decorated with markers and flags on Memorial Day. He took pride in being a member of the Kennebec Valley honor guard, which provided veterans with their final military honors.

One of the things that was rewarding to him was going to Togus on Sundays and helping to take the residents to church services. Over the years his hobbies included car racing, horses, genealogy, hunting, fishing, listening to country music and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Christine Keene of 56 years; his children, Sharon Richard of Cundys Harbor, Sandra Burgess and her husband, Sam, of North Monmouth, Roger Keene of Litchfield, Lorraine Bird and her husband, John, of Monroe, N.C., and Vernon Keene of Litchfield; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his sister, Elaine Joseph and her husband, Tom; many nieces and nephews; and more friends than most people have in two lifetimes.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Doris Keene; his sisters, Edith Langer, Irene Keene and Evelyn Reece; his brothers, Royace Keene, Linden Keene and John Keene; and a beloved furry friend, Prince.