William Cecil Keene's Obituary
William Cecil Keene, age 90, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 6:54 a.m., in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Carbondale, IL.
Cecil was born on April 19, 1934 in Pinckneyville, IL, a son to William David and Ella (Poninski) Keene. On March 8, 1958 he married Betty Jean Terrill in St. Louis, MO and she survives. Cecil proudly served in the United States Army. He worked as a machinist in various coal mines. Cecil was a member at First Baptist Church in Pinckneyville, IL. He was a proud member of the NRA. Cecil would love to tinker in the pole barn and build cars, trailers, and trucks. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Betty Keene of Pinckneyville, IL; four children, Valerie (Keene) Thurber of Pahrump, NV; William Estil Keene of Pinckneyville, IL; Linda Keene of Oakland Park, FL; and Tammy (Keene) Weger of Summersville, MO; one brother, Daniel Paul (Debbie Roberts) Keene of Simpsonville, NC; one sister, Patricia (Keene) Harsy of Pinckneyville, IL; three grandchildren, Adrianna (C.B.) Shaw, William Estil (Angie McRoy) Keene; and Charles Terrill Allsopp; five great-grandchildren, Kayla (Andy) Parish, Tamara (Brendan) Palmer; Arianna Keene, Lillian Keene, and Stellamina Shaw; two great-great-grandchildren, John Derek Palmer and Aurora Palmer; and three nephews, Mitchell (Rebecca) Harsy and their children, Ethan and Evan; Andy (Amber) Keene and their daughter, Suzannah Rose Keene, and Fr. Christopher Keene.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, John Peyton Keene; two siblings in infancy; and one great-great grandchild, Adaline Palmer.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, IL, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. Roger Marshall officiating. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL has been entrusted with arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of William Cecil?
What’s a lesson you learned from William Cecil?
Share a story where William Cecil's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William Cecil you’ll never forget.
How did William Cecil make you smile?