Obituary of Charles James Keener

Charles James "Jim" Keener, 77, of Boalsburg, died Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Wynwood House, Boalsburg.

Born June 28, 1946, in Waynesburg, PA, he was the son of the late Charles Wayne and Alice Baily Keener. His Gr, Gr, Gr. Grandfather Sebastian Keener, a Revolutionary War veteran, pioneered the Keener ancestral farm in Greene Township, Greene County, PA in the 1780 and 90's. Jim was descended from several pioneer families including Keener, Kelley, Brewer, Provance, Stewart, Eberhart, Hoard, and Ferguson of Greene and Fayette Counties, PA, and Elkins and Stewartstown, WV.

He was one of the first Eagle Scouts in the Boalsburg troop 380 and attended Philmont Scout Ranch in 1962 and many other Scout Jamborees.

Jim was a 1964 graduate of State College High School. He received a bachelor's of science degree from Penn State University in Forest Resources in 1968. He worked for the US Forest Service for 2 years before joining Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scout Executive for 33 years in New England and Pennsylvania, retiring in 2003.

He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Boalsburg, PA.

Jim was also an active member of the Harris Township Lions Club for many years, eventually becoming District Governor and Council Chair for Pennsylvania, and participated in many Lions conventions and Forums around the world.

He was active in local government and on the planning commission for Harris Township, as well as participation in several other clubs and organizations such as the Sons of the American Revolution.

Jim is remembered by his friends and neighbors as a history buff, especially the Civil War, and a person with a strong sense of community service. He loved travelling the world with his companion, Deb Lutz, and talking with folks from all walks of life.

He was most proud of his association with Weight Watchers -losing over 80 pounds!- and was full of encouragement for fellow members.

A special thank you is extended to the staffs of Mount Nittany Medical Center, Encompass Health and Wynwood House in Boalsburg for their tireless and caring support over the last portion of his life.

He is survived by a daughter, Mary Katherine "Katie" Keener and her husband, Eric Claquin of Brunoy, France; one grandson, Benjamin René Keener Claquin. Also surviving is his significant other, Deb Lutz, of Boalsburg.

Additional survivors include cousins Allan Wayne Keener of Alexandria, VA and William Franklin Keener of East Durham, NH, Richard A. Kerr and Mrs. J. Robert Kerr of Carmichaels, PA and all their extended families, as well as several other relatives with whom Jim kept in contact.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church, 105 Old Boalsburg Road, Boalsburg, with Pastor Brent Book officiating.

Burial will be in Boalsburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the North Tioga County Lions Club, 19538 Rt. 287, Lawrenceville, PA 16929, or to Juniata Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, 9 Taylor Drive, Reedsville, PA 17094.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.