Theodore "Ted" Charles Keener's Obituary
Theodore “Ted” Charles Keener, 80, of Hilliard, Ohio, completed his life’s journey on January 18, 2026—his birthday-- surrounded by family. In the moments before he passed, his children gathered around him and sang “Happy Birthday. Just minutes later, he peacefully took his last breath, as if that simple song was the final gift he needed. We take comfort in knowing Ted left this world wrapped in love, with the sound of his family close by.
Ted was born in Wadsworth, Ohio, on January 18, 1946. When he was young, his family moved to Melbourne, Florida, where he spent several happy childhood years. In 1957, after the sudden passing of his father, the family returned to Ohio and settled in Massillon. Ted graduated from Washington High School in 1964. He went on to proudly serve in the United States Air Force and later earned his degree from The Ohio State University. After college, Ted worked in the insurance industry, teaching seminars across the United States and Canada.
Ted was charming and was known for his beautiful smile. He was truly one of a kind, a man with a wide range of interests and passions. He loved acting, music, poetry, airplanes, race cars, and photography, just to name a few. He served as a local historian for the Port Columbus Historical Society, was a member of the Storytellers of Central Ohio, and performed with the Players Club Theatre. In the 1990s, he captivated audiences throughout Franklin and Fairfield Counties as a literary interpreter, bringing the works of Edgar Allan Poe to life through dramatic performance.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leon Edward Keener who died in 1957, and his stepfather, Richard Donovan. He is survived by his mother, Donna Donovan (age 100); his son Geoff (Nicole) Keener; his daughters Katherine D’Avanzo and Elizabeth Norris (Dustin); and his grandchildren Zachary and Noah Keener, Madison and Rylee D’Avanzo, and Benjamin, Simon, and Dean Norris. He is also survived by his brother, Philip Keener (Linda), and his stepsister, Cindy Donovan.
Ted’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Bella Care Hospice and to his extended family at Darby Glenn Nursing Home, where he resided for nearly ten years. Your love, compassion, and unwavering care meant more than words can express. You are all truly angels on Earth.
A celebration of Ted’s life will be held on February 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Central Presbyterian Church in Massillon, Ohio. A graveside service with military honors will follow later that afternoon at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wadsworth, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (https://www.nationalmssociety.org) or to a charity of your choice.
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