Date Of Birth: December 18, 1920
Date Of Death: May 17, 2009
Robert Rike Keenan, Brownsburg, IN age 88,, k died May 17, 2009. He was born December 18, 1920 to J. S. and Florence Rike Keenan in LeRoy, IL. He served 3 years in the 754th Railway Battalion stationed in Iran during WWII. He was employed by the New York Central RR for 40 years and was a 50 year member of the Indianapolis Jazz Club. He also was a member of the Brownsburg American Legion Post 331 and played Taps for many military funerals while in the American Legion Honor Guard. He was an avid reader and frequent visitor to the Brownsburg Public Library and considered the staff his special friends. Bob was aalso a member of Connection Pointe Christian Church of Brownsburg including the Senior group, Hilltoppers. He had been a volunteer/driver for the Hendricks County Senior Citizens Center. A son, Andrew A. Keenan, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Moody Keenan, children, Amy and Chris Zigovits, grandchildren Luke Andrew and Sarah Zigovits, and Molly Grace Zigovits and close friends Bob and Kim Lucas. There will be no visitation or service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.
Doug Smith says
Barbara, Amy, Chris, Luke, and Molly; please accept my condolences on the loss of Mr. Keenan. I always will remember him as a great person to be around. He had a special personality that naturally drew you to him. God Bless all of you during this time.
Cyndi Smith says
I am sad to learn that Bob has left us; he will continue to be with family and close friends in both lifes. I hear his trumpet now.
Thanks for sweet memories Bob.
A note to Molly and Luke, Grandfathers are very special folks, I know he filled you both with love and grand times to hold in your hearts. I miss your entire family.
Amy, words are never enough. Hugs to you and thank you for sharing you Dad with us.
Barb, I will always find a place in my heart for you and Bob. You both are very special friends, providing tons of laughs thru so many of our lives in BBurg. Your house was a warm and inviting spot to hang out with Amy and Andy. by the way, I still hate sweet potatoes but finally will drink store bought milk! My love, Cyndi Pendergrast Smith
Mark Finegan says
Mrs. Keenan and Amy,
So very sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. I’m not sure any of our generation knew our fathers that well, but I felt like Bob accepted me whether as a wrestler or friend of his daughter and that made me feel good because acceptance had to be earned.
I always enjoyed running into him at the library when I would pass through with mom or dad, but the memory that sticks the most was one of those unexpected encounters when Luke and our Dan were in high school and we ran into everyone at Ben Davis for a cross country meet, as I recall. Cross Country not being much of a spectator sport, Bob was setting up and settling in with one of those folding aluminum web lawn chairs that pretty much says everything about living and growing up in Prairie Village back in the day.
Take comfort in this time of sadness and grief that he is now in a place where there is no pain and the library never closes.
Debi Egan says
Amy, It’s so hard to find the right words, but I hope you’ll know that my thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.
Love, Debi
Eleanor Moody says
My deepest sympathy to Barbara and the family. I will miss my one and only brother-in-law….he was special!
Willie Stark says
P.S…. We certainly shared lots of popcorn together. Some say I only kept my membership up for the popcorn. Actually it was to compete with Mr. Keenan ! He’s a CHAMP!!!
Willie Stark says
God Bless Bob and Andy… So many years of fun memories. Bob always told me wonderful stories and had the grandest smile and laugh. Andy, you have been in my thoughts for many years. I certainly appreciated you both, and will continue to celebrate your lives.
It’s been a long time Amy and Mrs. Keenan. Thank you for sharing.
Willie Stark
Luke Andrew Zigovits says
So many great memories of my wonderful grandfather, “Gramps”, where do I start?
Gramps tought me so many things in life, including my love of gardening and a passion of reading and knowledge.
What a great example of “great man” !!!
I feel fortunate that I was able to visit with him before his passing, and to introduce, and get his approval of my soon to be wife, Sarah. Sarah also enjoyed the times they had together, including sneaking a kiss or two to Gramps and making him blush.
My Gramps also was a teacher to me. From everything from birds to women, to just taking it easy, I will always look up to him and try to live my life similar to the way he did.
My thoughts are with my Granny in this time, and want her to know that her family is here with love and support for her.
I love you so much my dear Gramps, and can’t wait to see you again!
~ Luke Andrew, his only grandson
Molly Grace Zigovits says
To My Only Gramps:
I will never forget how many smiles you have brought to my face. I was truly blessed to have you in my life for 27 years. You are in such a beautiful place right now, healthy, happy and throwing baseballs around. Thank you so much for all the stories you have shared with me and for being such a hero in my life. I can’t wait to see you again, save some room up there for me (we’ll have a pancake eating contest too!) I love you SO much. xoxo.
J Michael Zigovits says
Hi Barb,
My prayers and sympathy go out to you. Bob was a great guy. I’ll never forget him showing me his guns and coins so long ago. He was a special gentleman who will be missed by many.
With Love, Mike Zigovits
THE BRAHMS says
BARB AND AMY, ONLY WISH WE LIVED CLOSER, I FEEL LIKE PUTTING MY ARMS AROUND THE BOTH OF YOU. I AM SO GLAD CLEON WAS ABLE TO MEET BOB, HE WAS ALWAYS SO PLEASANT TO BE AROUND, CLEON WANTED TO SEE MORE OF BOB. LOVE YOU BOTH AND YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. PEARLINE
Janis Dave Curtiss says
Amy and Family,
So sorry for your loss, your Dad sounds like a wonderful man, special to many people….Janis & Dave
Patricia K Carroll Waggoner says
I was sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My deepest sympathy to Barbara and Amy . I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Robbi Harless says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I work at the Brownsburg Public Library and I know we will all miss Mr. Keenan very much. He was always a bright spot in the day and so many of us looked forward to his visits. The one thing I will always remember is his smile – usually always on his face and always lighting up a room. Most importantly, his smile was always contagious. He was a wonderful man and I’m so happy to have had the chance to know him (even if only a bit) from the library.
Billy and Dawn Ayler says
My dear friend, you will be so missed by your American Legion friends and myself. I will never forget the education you always gave me on the “Word of the Day!” your laughter and your whit will remain in my heart always! Your friend–“Daybreak”
Kim Young says
May your loving memories comfort you in the days ahead. God Bless
Marsha Sandefer says
May your many wonderful memories bring you comfort in the days to come.
Norman Curts Family says
Deepest sympathy to his family. Popcorn will be greatly missed by all.
Dave Galloway says
Very sorry to hear of the passing of a fine man and brother veteran. I had the utmost respect for him and enjoyed talking to him. He will be missed by all of us at Post #331 (American Legion)
Pat Meegan says
Jan and I are very sorry for your loss. We wish you peace.
JOSEPH ZIGOVITS JR RUTHANN says
Jim Gray says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Suzi
Philip F Schwartz says
On behalf of Albert and Barbara Schwartz and family, we send our Love Robert and thank you and your wife for bringing such a Lovely and Wonderful daughter Amy into our lives and Thank You for serving our Nation. GOD BLESS YOU!
Connie Hayworth says
To Bob’s family…..so sorry for your loss. Bob was such a nice man who always had a laugh and a smile for everyone. I worked at the State Bank of Lizton for many yrs. We always looked forward to Bob brightening our day. Then, I found out we went to the same church. I could always see Bob riding his bicycle all over town and I do mean all over town.
I too, look forward to seeing my friend again.
Bill Jerry Debbie Dennis Lynn Ron and family says
Barb,Amy & family. We were quite sadden to hear of Bob’s passing. Mom was just asking about him the other day.You all have been in our thoughts and prayers for quite sometime.If there is anything we can do please we are here. May God’s blessings be with you always. The York’s, Hamstra’s and Thompson’s.
Rick and Denise Jackson says
So sorry to hear of your loss. He had such a wonderful spirit and always a smile. He was truely an inspiration. From the Boy Scouts, I think of him every time I tie a knot (and I tie a lot of knots)
John Peggy Judd says
Dear Barbara,
It was an honor knowing and sharing some time with Bob. I particularly have a fond memory of the Tribe baseball games we attended together…he had a keen sense of the game. I welcomed his military and RR stories as well…he was gracious in his willingness to accomodate my searching ears. Bob’s trumpet playing and his love for the Legion will be remembered…my failure to followup on an afternoon commitment to have one last brewsky with Bob at the BB post will be thought of sorrowfully.Bob’s faith in Christ was evident…thank you Lord for allowing our paths to intersect. Barbara, we share your loss and your pain. May Our Comforter grant you peace and joy at this time beyond all human understanding…It is Well with My Soul!This Memorial Day is quite special and meaningful,Bobby is at attention and saluting. God Bless
Connie Hayworth says
I worked at the State Bank of Lizton for many years. Bob always made our day with his bright smile.You could always see him riding his bicycle all over town. Then I realized we went to the same church, also. Guess what..he was smiling there, too. I look forward to seeing that smile in heaven some day.
Barbara DohmEllen Buchanan says
Barbara we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Ellen Buchanan (my Mom) and I sat close to you and Bob at many church services. You enjoyed our names Barbara and Ellen. Bob always had a big smile for everyone and was a wonderful man. He will be sadly missed. Take Care of yourself.
Bob and Verna Coffin says
Barbara and Family,
Bob was a dear friend and we shall miss him. We remember lots of happy times visiting each others homes–also our visits at Mary and Jerry’s lake home and our visit to your Florida winter home. So many happy memories. I think of Bob every morning when I make the coffee. He really loved his coffee.
Our sincere sympathy.
Bob and Verna