Edouard "LEE" Keehner

October 25, 1926 - September 30, 2018

Edouard "LEE" Keehner On Sunday, September 30, 2018, Lee, loving husband and father of three children, native of West Chester, Ohio, and legacy of Keehner Park, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 91. He was born October 25, 1926, to John S. and Hilda (Buhr) Keehner. Happily, Lee married the love of his life, Melba (Stitzel) on September 18, 1948, in Millville, Ohio, recently celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary. After graduating from West Chester High School and The Ohio State University, he proudly served as a Lieutenant in the US Army during World War II. Lee was a self-employed farmer - a genuine lover of the land, nature, and animals - a supervisor at AutoLight for 10 years and a successful Nationwide Insurance Agent for 33 years. Lee led an active life being involved in a variety of organizations: Lakota Kiwanis, Boy Scouts of America, Butler County 4-H, FFA, and he sponsored local baseball and softball teams. His gentle spirit, strength, and honesty were characterized by his lifelong strong faith by being an active charter member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason, an active member of Reading Lutheran Church in Reading, and an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hamilton, Ohio. He took great pride in serving on the Lakota School Board, Butler County Soil and Water Conservation Board, Farm Bureau Board, Production Credit Board, Landmark Board and The Butler County Fair Board. Lee traveled extensively with his beloved wife, Melba, family, and friends. After retiring, Melba and Lee enjoyed being a part time winter resident at their home in Tavares, Florida, for 25 years, attending Union Congregational Church, enjoying golf, playing cards, boating, and fishing with friends. He lived a wonderful fun-filled life. Lee had a passion throughout his life for all sports, especially The Cincinnati Reds and The Ohio State University Basketball and Football team. A devoted family man, a compassionate gentleman with strong moral values, a witty sense of humor, and always willing to lend a hand to others, epitomizes Lee, a founding father of West Chester, Ohio. Lee will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Melba, and his children: Rick (Teresa) Keehner of Camden, Ohio, Susan Keehner of Naples, Florida, and Julie (Brad) Abell of Naples, Florida. He will also be fondly remembered by his two granddaughters; Michelle (Scott) Hollon and Heather Morton, six great grandchildren: Logan, Cameron, and Carson Hollon and Bryant, Brody, and Braylon Morton, all of Camden, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Robert L. Keehner and John J. Keehner, and a sister Anna Katherine Schweitzer. A private family funeral (Weigel Funeral Home) and graveside services were held at (Brookside) West Chester Cemetery where Lee was laid to rest with Military Honors. Memorial donations may be made in Lee Keehner’s memory to Hospice Southwest Ohio Foundation, 7625 Camargo Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45243, or West Chester Township Fire Department Organization, 9119 Cincinnati Dayton Road, Station #72, West Chester, Ohio, 45069.