Obituaries

Robert Lee Keene

Photo of Robert Lee Keene
Robert Lee Keene, 72, of Rogers, Ark;, passed away Friday, October 30, 2015, peacefully at home under the care of Circle of Life Hospice surrounded by the love of family and friends. He was born July 28, 1943, to Robert and Lee Keene in Detroit, Michigan. Bob attended the University of Western Michigan, where he played on the hockey team. Bob had a passion to serve his country, and he served in the U.S. Army from Oct. 30, 1962-Dec. 11, 1970. He volunteered to go to Vietnam in 1966, and was sent there as a member of the 5th Special Forces Group Green Berets/Airborne. While in Vietnam, he earned 5 Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with Valor, and two Army Commendations with Valor. He continued to serve in the U.S. Army upon his return. After his honorable discharge, he drove commercial trucks for several years. He also worked as a construction manager and building contractor, salesman at CarMart in Rogers, Schwann's and as an Assistant manager for Holiday Retirement. Bob was a true patriot who volunteered his time, after his service for his country, with Rogers VFW Post 3031 as a member of the Honor Guard. He was proud to honor veterans at their funerals and in other military ceremonies. He served as Junior Vice-Commander of Post 3031, even after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Bob enjoyed hunting, camping, golfing, Razorback baseball, and the Detroit Lions and Red Wings. He also enjoyed officiating games for Tulsa's professional hockey team. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert Keene, and survived by his beloved wife, Nita Fox-Keene, whom he married September 21, 2010; her daughter, Stacey Ficken, of Oswego, Kan.; his mother, Lee Keene, of Etowah, N.C.; his sister, Patty Haluska, of Ft. Worth, Texas; niece, Stacey (Mike) Peaton, nephews, Chris Haluska, of Austin, Texas and Trey Haluska, of Eureka, California and many extended family members. Memorial service with full military honors will be held Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 at Daystar Church of God, Rogers, Arkansas at 11 a.m. with interment at Fayetteville National Cemetery, Fayetteville Arkansas at 1 p.m. Following interment, luncheon will be provided by the Ladies Auxiliary of Rogers VFW Post 3031. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd., Springdale, Arkansas 72762 or Rogers VFW Post 3031, 14160 Old Wire Rd., Garfield, Arkansas 72732. Arrangements are provided by Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. www.RollinsFuneral.com.

Published November 5, 2015

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