KEENAN, Robert A. age 96, died peacefully at his home on October 11, 2012. Robert Alfred Keenan was born February 14, 1916 in St. Louis, MO, the son of Owen Keenan and Lena Crum Keenan. When he was a young child, his family moved to Nashville, where he spent most of his life, living in the home built by his father. He attended Fall School and Robertson Academy, and graduated from Central High School. During World War II, he served in the Merchant Marine. Mr. Keenan was a general contractor and developer, and maintained his contractor’s license until his death. He served on the Board of the Metropolitan Transit Authority and was a founder of the Sure Shot Rabbit Hunters Association. He also served on the Boards of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ Association and the Walking Horse Owners’ Association. He was an active supporter of University of Tennessee athletics. He was an outdoorsman and expert marksman. He was president of the Nashville Gun Club and was State handicap champion trap shooter. He loved his farm in Williamson County. He had many friends and lived a full and active life. Most of all, Robert Keenan was devoted to his family. His children remember days at the lake, ponies, touch football, hayrides, sled rides, and so much more.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Keenan is predeceased by his wife, Nell Newman Keenan, to whom he was married for 66 years; his sister, Elizabeth Keenan Sneed; and his brother, William Owen Keenan. He is survived by his four children, Dorothy Nell Keenan (Ray H. Berk), Robert Owen Keenan (Vivienne), Kathryn Keenan, Thomas Newman Keenan (Mary), and by his eight grandchildren, Owen Keith Keenan (Lily), David Keenan Berk, Sarah Elizabeth Keenan, Kathryn Nell Berk, Robert Thomas Keenan, Anne Keenan Jacobs, Dorothy Nell Jacobs, and Jane Kailing Courtney Keenan. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Fred B. Newman, and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.The family expresses its deepest gratitude to Mr. Keenan’s devoted caregivers, Betty Franklin, Tina Jacob, Gail Reagor, and Laurie Zamora.

Visitation was Saturday, October 13th, from 12:30-2 p.m., with funeral at 2 p.m. Burial followed in Mt. Olivet Funeral Home & Cemetery, 1101 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Robert and Nell Keenan Bioscience Fellowship, University of Tennessee, Attn.: Woodrow Henderson, 600 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996; the Salvation Army, or the charity of your choice .