Longtime trooper at the Wayland post of the Michigan State Police Harold Keena died April 11 in Winter Haven, Fla., He was 96.
He was born to Ernest and Helen (Dyer) Keena on Oct. 1, 1927, in Grand Rapids.
Harold enlisted in the Navy on Nov. 13, 1945, served at Annapolis, MD, and was honorably discharged on Sept. 22, 1947. His desire for public service led him to a distinguished career in law enforcement, starting at Middleville Police, Barry County Undersheriff, then joining the Michigan State Police in 1954, He served at Jackson, Wayland, and Gladstone before retiring as a sergeant in Lansing at Emergency Services in 1976. He then served as undersheriff at the Eaton County department until 1982.
He was recognized as Trooper of the Year receiving the Gerstacker Award in 1969 by the Michigan State Police for his dedication to the youth of Wayland. Harold was instrumental in organizing, coaching, and sponsoring Little League and Babe Ruth baseball, and Rocket football leagues in Wayland.
Harold was dedicated to his faith, family, friends, and community. He was known for his quiet demeanor, love of jokes, wit and humor, playing cards (usually winning), golf, and swimming. Harold was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus with the various parishes he lived in Michigan, member of the American Legion, and South Kent Lodge of Fraternal Order of Police.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters, and wife, William Keena, Peggy (Keena) Martin, Mary (Keena) Benson-Slosser, Fred Keena, Kathleen (Keena)Remeltz, Ernie Keena, Joanne (Keena) Reens and wife of 66 years, Dorothy (Roberts) Keena. Harold and Dorothy were both able to fulfill their wish of anatomical donation
Harold is also survived by his brothers: Fr. James Keena, Liguori, Mo., and Thomas (Nadine) Keena, Grand Rapids, MI. Harold grew up in a large family and enjoyed all his many nieces and nephews.Harold is survived by his children: Joseph (Janet), Indianapolis,David (Colleen), San Diego, CA, Dennis (Karen) Winter Haven, FL, Denise (James) Barnes; grandchildren: Joe (Lisa) Keena, Jamie (Mark) Liston, Jonathan Keena, Daniel Keena, Jeff (Nicole) Keena, Lindsey (Zach) Pire, Allison (Andrew) Pulling and Thomas (Vi) Barnes; great-grandchildren: Addison, Austin, Trevor, Mark, Kayla, Addilynn, Anderson, Alexandra, and Amelia, along with three great-great grandchildren, and many close friends throughout Michigan and Florida.
A funeral mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland, followed by a luncheon at the Wagon Wheel American Grill.
Rest in Peace Mr. Keena, and thank you for all that you did for us kids. Much respect and appreciation!
Thank you, Harold, for being the kind, caring trooper that you were for the Wayland area. It was nice to have known you.