George Roger Keno

George Roger Keno was born October 19, 1924 in Fairfield, WA, to Roger and Nettie Keno. George grew up on the family farm and graduated from Fairfield High School. He joined the Navy in 1944, and attended boot camp in Farragut, Idaho, basic engineering school in Gulf Port, Mississippi, and Packard Marine Engineering School for training to repair engines on PT boats. George spent nine months in the Philippine Islands repairing aircraft rescue boats, followed by work on a submarine chaser and mine sweepers. He was honorably discharged as a Navy Fireman First Class on June 18, 1946. Following his time in the Navy, George completed one semester at Eastern Washington State College. George began farming the Smallwood-Keno family homestead in Rock Creek Valley with his father Roger and brother Albert. George met Pauline Hirschel at a Fairfield Grange square dance. They were married July 8, 1951, and enjoyed 66 wonderful years together until Pauline's passing in 2017. George was active in the Triangle Grange, the Washington State Grange, and he attended the Fairfield Presbyterian Church. One of George's favorite chores was the timberland and his sawmill. He sawed lumber for many farm buildings in the area. George and Pauline were the ultimate grandparents and inspired a love of farm life, nature, and animals in all of their grandchildren. George passed away at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, WA, on June 22, 2021. He is survived by one brother Charles Keno, and one sister Anna May (Kermit) Ellis; three sons: David (Sandy), Dale (Cathy), and Kevin (Debbie); grandchildren: Ben Keno (Megan), Michelle Keno, Jasper McKay, and Stephanie (Josh) Kern; great -grandchildren: Olivia, Sam, and Everett Kern, Emmett and Harrison Keno. George was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Albert and Frank, sister Grace Trescott, and son Tim Keno. A Graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Rockford, WA on September 11th 2021 at 10 AM followed by a Memorial service at the Fairfield Community Church (206 W Hamilton Ave) at 11 AM. Per Covid guidelines, masks are required in the church. The family would like to thank the staff at Palouse Country Assisted Living for their wonderful compassionate care of George, especially during this past year with the Covid pandemic. Memorials can be made to Palouse Country Assisted Living or to a charity of your choice.

George Roger Keno

October 19, 1924 - June 22, 2021