Hershell D. Keener, 85, of Hendersonville, passed away Monday, October 5, 2009, at Hendersonville Health & Rehabilitation, following a period of declining health. A native of Macon County, he lived in Henderson County since 1956. He was a son of the late Willard D. and Albia Byrd Keener. While serving with the Army during WWII, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart with three clusters. He retired from General Electric in 1986 after 30 years of service. He was a very active member of Balfour United Methodist Church. One of his biggest joys was singing in the church choir, and he was an avid gardener.
Survivors include a son, McKinley ìKinî Keener and his wife Phyllis of Flat Rock; a daughter, Leslie K. Sabo and her husband Dan of Hendersonville; two brothers, Charles Keener and his wife Catherine of Franklin, Robert Keener and his wife Marietta of Franklin; a granddaughter, Kelsey H. Sabo of Charlotte; and a number of nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be at 7:00 pm Friday, October 9, 2009 at the Balfour United Methodist Church. Rev. Jim Prichard will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5- 7 pm at the church.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, in Clarkís Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery, Franklin. Military rites will be conducted by Franklin VFW.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Balfour United Methodist Church, 2567 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791.
Leslie, May God bless you and your family during this time of loss. We will all be singing in that Heavenly Choir with Hershell someday and then forever more. We are praying for you. Glenn & Nora.
Hershell was everyone’s friend. He loved his church (Balfour United Methodist)and all the people in it. His church family will miss him, but will always remember his beautiful voice and how he loved to use it!
Leslie, Ken and your families, you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you, Martha (To Les and her family, I’m TaTa)
Dear Leslie and your family,
My prayers are with you and even though your faith is strong, I know this is a difficult time. May God’s Grace sustain you in knowing that your Dad and your Heavenly Father will be waiting for you to be reunited for eternity!
Leslie our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am sorry I can’t be there today, but I am in prayers. My biggest memory I have of your dad growing up was his beautiful voice and sweet spirit. I am sure he is as I told you the other day singing in God’s choir!!!
Thinking of you in these times.
Sorry for your loss
Prayers for your Family.
You know you have our love and prayers…we also have a lot of memories of your Dad. He was our “Pop” too…and sang so beautifully at our wedding. He was a great friend to Mom always, and was there for me and Neal in the loss of both parents…as were you. Love you!
I read the notice of Hershell’s passing with much sorrow. I have fond memories of being with him when we lived in the Wells Grove community.
We send condolences to the family and friends.
Leslie we will remember you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.