It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Jeffrey Alan Keener at his home on Friday, July 24.

Born on January 20, 1960, in Columbus, Ohio, Jeff was raised in McConnelsville, Ohio, where he developed the values of kindness, hard work, and dedication that would guide him throughout his life. He attended the University of Rio Grande, where he met his first wife Kelly and where his love of teaching first began. During his time there, he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, forming friendships and experiences that became an important part of his college years. His time at Rio Grande set him on a lifelong path of service to students, athletes, and communities.
Jeff devoted his life to helping others as an educator, coach, mentor, and friend.

Throughout his career, he taught in both Ohio and West Virginia, inspiring generations of students with his patience, fairness, and unwavering belief in their potential. He coached volleyball, basketball, football, and softball at multiple schools throughout central Ohio, leaving an unforgettable mark on the many athletes whose lives he helped shape.

Among his many coaching accomplishments, Jeff was especially proud of his 1999 girls volleyball team, which was inducted into the Fredericktown Hall of Fame in 2019, a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and lasting impact of the athletes he helped lead. In 2022, Jeff was recognized by the Fredericktown Local School District Board of Education for receiving the Central District Coach of the Year award, honoring his continued excellence, leadership, and commitment to the athletes he coached.

Among the schools where Jeff taught and coached, he dedicated many years of service to Madison Comprehensive High School, where he made a lasting impact as both an educator and coach. Through his commitment to teaching, mentorship, and leadership, he positively influenced generations of students, athletes, and colleagues. Those who knew Jeff through the school remember not only his dedication to education, but also the kindness and compassion he showed to everyone around him. He had a special ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and supported through simple conversations, thoughtful encouragement, and his steady, positive presence.

Beyond the classroom and the sidelines, Jeff’s love of athletics continued throughout his life. He spent countless evenings, weekends, and summers umpiring, where he formed lifelong friendships from behind home plate. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or in the stands, Jeff earned the respect of those around him through his integrity, consistency, and genuine care for others.

Jeff was always quick with a joke and had a gift for making people laugh. He believed in recognizing hard work, dedication, and character above all else, and he treated everyone with fairness and respect. His warmth, generosity, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him a trusted mentor, loyal friend, and someone whose presence could brighten even an ordinary day.

While we grieve this tremendous loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary legacy Jeff leaves behind through the lessons he taught, the athletes he mentored, the friendships he built, and the many lives he touched throughout his journey.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, James Burton Keener and Gloria Ann Radcliff; his sisters, Debra Keener and Cynthia Keener; and his first wife, Kelly Keener.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Keener; his children, Tyler Keener (Richard Burger) and Taylor Keener (Clayton Riley); his stepchildren, Alisha Lathey (Jason) and Christopher Postalwait; his cherished grandchildren; as well as many former students, athletes, colleagues, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

In accordance with Jeff’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. Jeff often credited the athletic scholarships he received to attend the University of Rio Grande as the opportunity that changed the course of his life, allowing him to pursue a career dedicated to teaching, coaching, and mentoring others. He would be honored to know that his memory is helping provide the same opportunity to the next generation of hardworking student-athletes who simply need financial support to pursue their dreams. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the General Athletics Fund at the University of Rio Grande in Jeff’s honor.

Donations can be made online at www.rio.edu/general-athletics-fund. If you wish to send your gift by mail, please write “In Memory of Jeffrey Keener” in the memo line and make checks payable to the University of Rio Grande. Mail your gift to the Office of Institutional Advancement, PO BOX 500, Rio Grande, Ohio, 45674.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Jeffrey Alan Keener.

Funeral Home: Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home

Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com