FARMINGTON – Clayton Allen Keene, 87 1/2, died early Saturday morning, March 7, 2009, at Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor. He was born June 19, 1921, in Brunswick, the son of Walter W. and Lelia (Wiggin) Keene. He attended Bingham and Farmington schools, graduating from Farmington High School. He went on to attend Farmington Normal School and later Aircraft Mechanics School, Goldsboro, N.C., where he served in the Army Air Force during World War II. He also schooled in Middle River, Md., and Glen L. Martin Factory, Fort Crook, on the B-26. He was proud to be aboard the first test flight of the B-26. Upon his return from the service he took courses at Auburn School of Commerce in 1948. He married L. Pauline Currie, Sept. 11, 1949. Mr. Keene worked throughout his life, starting as a young boy delivering papers for the Franklin Journal, Farmington, and later at the State Theatre, Farmington, as a projectionist. In his adult life, after the military, he worked as a cost accountant for Forster Mfg. in Strong, Farmington, East Wilton and Wilton. He was a member of many organizations including the American Legion, Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, Farmington; Farmington Area Baptist Men’s Association, West Area Baptist Men’s Association, American Baptists of Maine Men’s Association and the Gideons, past president of Franklin County Stamp Club, past president of Hampture Hill Cemetery Association, Mercer; Farmington Historical Society, American Baptist Bible of the Month Club, Forster Bowling League, WWII’s 410th Bomb Group Association, Agricultural (Fair) Association and Senior Citizens. He also enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, bowling and volunteer driving for many activities. He is survived by his loving wife, L. Pauline Keene of Bangor; a son, Raymond Allen Keene of Waterville; a daughter, Rachel Elaine Bryant and her husband, Caroll, of St. Albans; grandsons, Nathaniel and Michael Bryant; nephews, Thomas Keene of Westbrook, David Keene of Gorham and Gordon “Danny” Keene of Orland; a niece, Katherine Eastman and her husband, Richard, of Center Lovell; and a cousin, Polly Keene of Florida. He was predeceased by brothers, Harold, Stanley and Chester Keene; and a niece, Sue Keene Arnold. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, Farmington, with the Rev. Dr. Susan Crane officiating. Family and friends are invited to call 2-4 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Wiles Funeral Home, Cremation Service & Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Spring interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Farmington. Friends wishing may make donations to the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938.
CLAYTON ALLEN KEENE
