Loyd “Bob” James Keenan passed away on Monday, August 13, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska at the age of 84. He was born on September 2, 1933 in Jennings, Kansas to Edger James and Ellen “Ruth” (Harris) Keenan. He attended the Jennings School and graduated from Jennings High School with the Class of 1951. After graduation, he enlisted and served in the United States Air Force. In the Air Force, he worked as an airplane mechanic. He never lost his love and fascination with airplanes. After serving his country, he returned home to Jennings, and Miss Lila Adams caught his attention. Loyd “Bob” and Lila were united in marriage in Jennings, Kansas on May 15, 1959. They were blessed with four children, Ricky James, Debbie, Kathy, and Tammy.
After Loyd and Lila were married, they lived in Oberlin. He worked for Bob Boultinghouse Construction, where among other things; he learned to operate heavy equipment. They moved to Jennings where he started his own Heavy Equipment business. In 1971, Loyd went to work as the Supervisor of the Decatur County Road and Bridge Department.
Loyd was a very hard worker, but he also enjoyed his life. Among some of his favorite things to do was yard work, and he was an animal lover. His passion for airplanes continued throughout his life. If a plane flew over, he was outside identifying it and could tell you everything about it. Tinkering with cars and motorcycles was another of his hobbies. He and Lila spent many hours riding the motorcycle. He was a prankster and would sneak up on someone and scare them half to death. You always had to be on your guard when Loyd was around because you never knew what prank he might pull on you.
Loyd is survived by his wife, Lila of Oberlin, Kansas; son, Ricky James Keenan and wife Pamela of Norton, Kansas; daughters, Debbie Ayers and husband Richard of Dodge City, Kansas, Kathy Harms and husband Roy of Scott City, Kansas and Tammy Touslee and husband Rick of Oberlin, Kansas; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Imogene Keenan; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edger James and Ellen “Ruth” Keenan; brothers, Neil Keenan and Boyd Keenan; sisters, Dorothy Davis and Edna Smith; grandson, Dustin; and great-grandchildren, Natalee and Jagar.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, August 17, 2018 at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Clayton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at Pauls Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Loyd J. Keenan Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Avenue, Oberlin, Kansas 67749. Online condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com
Loyd liked the homey, simple things of life. He had work-worn hands and a heart of gold. He loved his family and held them in his heart. He will be missed, but the memory of him will always be with his family and friends.