Obituary for Clifford "Ben" Keene
Clifford "Ben" Benjamin Keene, a lifetime resident of New Hampton, died Monday, January 22, 2007 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 83.The son of the late Gilbert and Ruth Connor Keene, he was born December 4, 1923 in Middletown, N.Y.Ben married Dorothy Bates on July 2, 1942 at the Denton Presbyterian Church. He served his country during World War II in the Army Corps of Engineers. He was a longtime member of the Denton Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and Elder.Ben was also a valued member of the New Hampton Fire Department for over 50 years; during that time he served as President of the fire company for 19 years and also as Treasurer. He was a member of the Pine Hill Cemetery Board, the Town of Wawayanda Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, as a well as an Electoral Custodian. Ben was active in the Wallkill River Grange, 4-H and was a Boy Scout Leader. A family statement reads: "A family man, Ben was always willing to help a neighbor. He was alert to others needs and generous with his time and resources. He was a kind, compassionate, civic-minded man; anyone was welcome to his home and table."He is survived by his six children: Margaret "Peggy" Srirach and her husband, Jit of Thailand, Edith Milligan and her husband, Bill of St. Mary's, Pa., Benjamin J. Keene and his wife, Elaine of Arthur, NB, Beverly Cushing and her husband, Harvey of Otisville, Robert T. Keene and his wife, Dorothy of Lafayette, N.J., and Alfred Keene of Middletown. Ben also is survived by one brother, Ronald Keene and his wife, Barbara of Poughkeepsie, 13 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Kathryn Keene; brother, Gilbert, and sister, Margaret.Friends may call on Friday, January 26, from 7-9 p.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Ave., Middletown, N.Y.A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 27, at 11 a.m. at the Denton Presbyterian Church with Pastor Peter Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the family plot at Pine Hill Cemetery, Rt. 6, Middletown.Memorial contributions in Ben's name may be made to the Denton Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 72, New Hampton, NY 10958 or to either the Margaret Srirach Missionary Support or the Walter Duvall Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 72, New Hampton, NY 10958.Funeral arrangements under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.
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