William “Bill” H. Keown

William “Bill” H. Keown, 85, Reynoldsville, passed from this world on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at home.

Born September 25, 1930 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, he was the son of the late Grover P. and Mary B. (Raynes) Keown. He was raised in Scottsboro, AL.

William was a devoted and loving husband to Hester “Sandy” (Bowdenstein) Keown. They were married in Cincinnati, OH and recently celebrated 58 years of marriage.

William graduated from Jackson County High School in Alabama. He served as active military in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1955 and in the reserves until 1969. He attended Auburn University where he earned his undergraduate and master’s degree in mechanical engineering. In his early years, William worked for GE designing jet engines before later teaching engineering at the University of Missouri. In 1964, he began his twenty-seven year tenure at Penn State DuBois as a professor of mechanical engineering. His main love was mentoring and advising his students. After retirement, he was a guest professor at Bucknell University. He was actively involved in conservation programs including the Jefferson County Conservation District, RC & D as well as sustaining wood energy and small wood lots.

He was loved and respected by many. He was quick with a smile, a listening ear, and one of his famous hugs.
William was a member of Lakeside United Methodist Church.

William is survived by his wife, four daughters, Sarah L. Keown of Reynoldsville, Jenny K. (John) Jacobson of DuBois, Mary Ruth (Bryon) Wilson of Reynoldsville, and Carolyn J. (Robert) Pinchot of Newark, Delaware; six grandchildren, Justin (Gretchen) and Aaron (Jessica) Jacobson, Adam (Leah) and Jake Wilson, and Tony and Derek Pinchot; four great-grandchildren; and two nephews, John and Gary Keown. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Robert William Keown, and two brothers, Robert and Frank Keown.

Friends and family will be received Sunday, October 11th from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. at the Adamson Funeral Chapel, Inc. and Monday, October 12th from 10-11 a.m. at Lakeside United Methodist Church. A funeral service will follow the church visitation at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mark Erickson officiating. Interment will be in Beechwoods Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 4201 1st St., DuBois, PA 15801 or to Christ the King Manor, 1100 W. Long Ave., DuBois, PA 15801.

Friends and family will be received Sunday, October 11th from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. at the Adamson Funeral Chapel, Inc. and Monday, October 12th from 10-11 a.m. at Lakeside United Methodist Church. A funeral service will follow the church visitation at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mark Erickson officiating. Interment will be in Beechwoods Cemetery.