John W. Keener, age 81 of Massillon, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2016.

He ws born October 18, 1934 in Macon County, N.C.   He was a 1953 graduate of Shelby High School and attended Ohio University where he received is BSC in 1959.

John was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served as a medical corpsman during the Korean War.

John worked for the former Republic Steel Corporation.  He owned and operated  Keener Men's Shop from 1970 to 1985 and was President of Amherst Merchants Association. He later worked for Martin Audio Visual and retired in 1998.  He had been a member of Massillon Jaycees where he was "Jaycee Of The Year" in 1961.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gail (Keuper) Keener of Massillon, sons Craig S. Keener, PHD of Wilmore, KY,  Christopher D. Keener, PHD of San Jose, CA, and Brett H. Keener of New Albany, IN, daughter Jennifer K. Keener of Massillon and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee A. and Beatrice (Young) Keener, son Eric Keener, sister Betty High and an infant brother.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made in John's memory to Salvation Army, 315 - 6th St. N.E., Massillon, Ohio  44646 or to your favorite charity.

Please leave condolences at www.heitger.com

Heitger Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Massillon Chapel
330-833-3248