Carmen Keene was born in Dallas, Texas on October 23, 1932, from her parents Jack and Alicia Koonce. Her loving husband Dewey (Gip) Keene was her high school sweetheart at Alvin High School in Alvin, Texas. They were married for 71 years before his passing on November 21, 2022. Her legacy is survived by four children and extended family members. Richard Keene and wife Tamara of Crosby, Texas; Juanita Davis and deceased husband Mark Davis of Elgin, Texas; Douglas Keene and wife Ruth of Spicewood, Texas; Catherine Woerner and husband Bradley of Baytown, Texas. Grandkids: Jared Keene, Ashley Petterson, Lisa Nicholson, April Ponder, Alicia Keene, Taylor Keene, Branden Keene and 9 great grandchildren and Joe Koonce a cousin.
Carmen worked for ExxonMobil Refinery in Baytown, Texas for 25 years as a Transportation Coordinator for movement of all products from the ExxonMobil refinery. As she supported ExxonMobil for many years, she was strongly involved in many activities within the community. She enjoyed being involved in her children’s activities and sports, but as the children got older, she transitioned to being more active in the Baytown community. She became a member of the Pilot Club of Baytown where she took on several leadership roles up to being the President of the Pilot Club. Her accomplishments and involvement in the club were many, but the biggest highlight of her leadership within the Pilot Club was christening the Fred Hartman Bridge and she was chosen by the Baytown Mayor to do this.
Her next step was to travel the US in their Bounder RV with her husband (Gip) to all the states including adventures into Canada in their motorhome. She moved her leadership abilities to the RV Bounders Club, as they traveled, and she became well recognized for her contributions. She was well respected within the club and was recognized for her “Outstanding Devoted Service”.
When she was not traveling throughout the US, she loved participating in crafting shows and making things for the family.
The family would like to give special thanks for the private home care life during these golden years by wonderful loving care takers; Marva Skeen, Shawna Fuselier, Visiting Angels, and Dr. Irfan Dadabhoy, as their MD with the Houston Methodist Hospital. Also, thanks to Rachelle Weaver for keeping Carmen & Dewey’s home clean throughout many years of their life and Brittney Fallow for all the years of doing Carmen’s hair every Monday in her home. The family gives many thanks to these very special people in her life.
The Pallbearers will be Branden Keene, Jared Keene, Matt Nicholson & Tanner Nicholson, Brian Petterson, Jake Ponder, and Bradley Woerner.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 25, 2024 at 10:00 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 5010 N. Main St., Baytown, Texas 77521 and the graveside service will follow at 11:30 am at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8624 Garth Road, Baytown, Texas 77521.
