Gene Keenan

Eugene (Gene) Edward Keenan, 90, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Gene was born on April 22, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois to James Edward and Dorothy (Ryan) Keenan. He moved to Chesterton where he shared a deep passion for the community and its athletic program.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Judy. Also surviving are his children, Robin Keenan Lukach (Bill) of Chesterton, Indiana; Jeffrey Keenan (Cindy) of Montgomery, Texas; Michael Keenan of Pueblo, Colorado; Lisa Keenan Gorthey (Kemp) of Austin, Texas; Keeley Keenan (Bobby Finley deceased) of Austin, Texas; Katherine Keenan Martinez (Erick) of Nevada City, California; Daniel Keenan (Gena) of Dallas, Texas; and Mary Beth Keenan Konovalski (Albie) of Liberty Hill, Texas. Grandchildren, Adam Lukach of Los Angeles, California; Dr. Scott Gorthey of New York, New York; Jacob Lukach of Chesterton, Indiana; Natalie Martinez of Sacramento, California; Mark Gorthey of Chicago, Illinois; Keeley Martinez of Incline Village, Nevada; and Albert Konovalski of Liberty Hill, Texas.

Gene was preceded in death by his father James Edward Keenan; mother, Dorothy Gardner; grandmother, Isabelle Ryan; sister Dorothy Boehm; and brother-in-law John Boehm his best friend.

Gene’s business experience was in the institutional food service industry. He was the founder and owner of Keenan Food Sales in Denver, Colorado.

Under the tutelage of former NFL official Dave Parry, Gene became licensed as an IHSAA official and was eventually honored the opportunity to officiate sectional and regional tournament games during his time in Indiana. He was respected by many coaches throughout the state.

He was involved in the Babe Ruth Baseball League program and was manager of the Porter Bank team. He was highly regarded by his players – he had terrific communication with them and they trusted him.

Gene had a passion for the outdoors, including golf, fishing and camping. He enjoyed researching and watching horse racing. He loved his 4-legged companions, Misty and Coco.

From 1999 to 2019 he took part in the “Next-to-the-Last Spring Break” golf tournament held in various locations throughout the southern United States with his good friends from Indiana. He won the “Green Jacket” (emblematic of the Next-to-the-Last Spring Break Champion) in 2008.

Gene will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Gene’s memory.