Franklin Delano ("Jack") Keene

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Franklin D. “Jack” Keene, 89 of Phelps, Kentucky.  He passed away at the University of Kentucky Medical Center on November 16th, 2023. 

Born May 11th, 1934, at Freeburn, KY, a son of the late Malcolm and Bessie “Johnson” Keene.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded by his loving wife of 56 years, Janice; a cherished son, Stephen Brian in 2015; two brothers, Willis Keene, KIA in WWII in Italy, and Billy Joe; five sisters, Ruth Daugherty, Vivian Norman, Bernese Smith, Lois Roberts, and Yvonne Freeman.

Franklin attended Phelps High School, graduating in 1952.  He played basketball for the Hornets for five years during his high school career.  After graduating, he attended Pikeville College receiving his BS degree in History and Business Administration and Rank I in Principalship from Morehead State University.  Mr. Keene taught at Phelps High School for 26 ½ years and was assistant principal for 4 years, retiring in 1989.  He was an original member of the Phelps athletic Hall of Fame selection committee and a member of KEA and NEA associated with Hornetville.  He was an avid supporter of the Hornets through the good times and the bad.  His philosophies he believed in were, do that which is good, take care of your bodies, help others, and your days will be long.  Don’t worry, be happy.  The finish line is just the beginning of a new race.  The rope of love never slackens.  There are paths of dust wherever you may go, and the weeds are high where corn doesn’t grow.  Most importantly, Franklin loved the Lord and was a member of Majestic Church of Christ.  There he served as an elder of the church for many years and was a bible study teacher. 

Those surviving to honor Franklin’s memory include his children, Jamie (Angie) Keene of Richmond, KY, Stephanie Hall of Lexington, KY; daughter-in-law, Rita (Roy) Kender of Phelps, KY; a sister, Glenys Jackson of Ashland, KY; grandchildren, Jordan Hall of Danville, KY, Jairus (Saranna) Hall of Phelps, KY, Taylor (Justin) Waggoner of Richmond, KY, Morgan Keene of Akron, OH, Jasmine (Glenn) Faulkner of Lexington, KY, and Madison (Jared) Adams of Richmond, KY; great-grandchildren, Kylie & Kendall Hall, Jairadan & Terren Hall, Ellie & Ava Waggoner, Declan Huddle, and Kalia Faulkner.  Franklin also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.  

The family will receive friends from 6:00-9:00 P.M. Sunday, November 19th, 2023, at the Jones & West Funeral Home at Phelps, Kentucky. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home with pastor Roger Shepherd officiating.  Belfry DAV Chapter 141 will perform military honors. 

Interment will conclude at Mountain View Memory Gardens in Huddy, Kentucky. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, Kentucky.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.joneswestfh.com.

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