Donnie Joe Keene

Donnie Joe Keene, 72, better known as Joe, was called home by God on December 27, 2020. Joe was born on March 5, 1948 in Alluwe, OK to Lois Anderson and Everett Keene, and raised by Claude (Hop) Long.

            Joe grew up in Pershing, Barnsdall, and spent the last 40 years in Pawhuska, OK. He was a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and had a deep love for sports, especially football. Joe wore many hats in life--dad, papa, brother, friend, uncle, and son. After graduating from Barnsdall High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was a Vietnam era veteran. After service, Joe attended Oklahoma State University. He later met Denise Keene, the love of his life, and they celebrated their 40^th year of marriage in June 2020.  He was a humble man who exhibited a quiet strength about him. Every Friday and Saturday in the Fall, he would sport his Pawhuska and OSU Cowboy orange. His proudest accomplishment was being Dad to Joe, Billy, and Caroline and Papa to his 9 grandkids.

            Joe’s passion was being engaged in his kids’ lives. He coached their little league teams growing up and never missed a game. His presence at all events was something his family cherished. Even as his kids got older, Joe was always there when his family needed him. He retired from Dick Connor’s Correctional Center in 2003.  His co-workers always had great things to say about his laid-back demeanor and good leadership. When grandkids came, Joe became Papa and he would root and cheer on his grandkids in their various sporting events. The grandkids were ecstatic seeing Papa in the stands.  Joe lived a wonderful life that was filled with lots of family, love, and laughter.

            Joe is survived by his wife, Denise; son Billy; and son Joe Wiley and fiancé Mandy Cisneros; daughter Caroline and husband Jess Hopper. Grandchildren include Jaren, Maya, Carson, ROK, Josiah Keene, Jace, Aliya, Stella, and Blaze Hopper. Brother Tom Keene and wife Brenda; Joe Lee Long. And other numerous nieces and nephews who meant a lot to him.

            Joe is preceded in death by his parents Lois and Hop Long; Everett Keene; brothers Ronnie Keene, Clyde Long, and Robert Long.

Graveside funeral services will be at 11:00AM, January 7, 2020 at the A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery in Hominy, Oklahoma.

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