Dec. 7, 1921 - Jan. 21, 2010GRANGER - William Lee Keene, 88, residing in Granger, IN, passed away at 8:40 a.m. Thursday, January 21, 2010 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He was born December 7, 1921 in Jasonville, IN, the son of John and Goldie Keene. On June 22, 1942, in Wichita Falls, TX, he married the former Lucille M. Floyd, who survives. In addition to his wife, Lucille, William is survived by two daughters, Kathleen (Daniel) Pasternak of Osceola and Lori (Brian) Hulecki of Granger; and two grandchildren, Mellissa (John) Aldridge and Emily Hoose. He was preceded in death by one son, Jeffrey Lee Keene on December 8, 1960 as well as three brothers and three sisters. William was a World War II decorated veteran of the Air Force. He provided communications on the B17 Bomber and flew thirty seven missions, three of which required emergency landings as a result of enemy fire. Living most of his life in South Bend, Mr. Keene worked twenty two years at the Studebaker Corporation. He then worked as a foreman at the Bayer Corporation (formerly Miles Laboratories) until his retirement in 1990. William loved nature, animals and poetry and was an accomplished artist. He was a kind-hearted, gentle soul with a great sense of humor, who will be greatly missed. Private visitation and services for William Keene will be held Monday, January 25, 2010 at Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, followed by burial with military rites at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Expressions of sympathy on behalf of William may be offered to The Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be offered to the Keene family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.