Robert P. Keene of Millheim, affectionately known as “Dinger”, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, at William Penn Nursing Center in Lewistown. He was 83. Born September 22, 1942, in Bellefonte, Dinger was a son of the late William F. and Miriam E. (Harter) Keen of Madisonburg.
He was a 1960 graduate of Penns Valley Area High School. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United State Marine Corps and served his country in the Vietnam Conflict.
Dinger was a plumber by trade. He enjoyed playing several sports such as slow pitch softball, bowling, and pool. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved watching the New York Yankee baseball games and was a Pittsburgh Steeler and Penn State football and wrestling fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two great granddaughters, and hosting his annual Memorial Day barbeque.
Dinger had a fun sense of humor and will be dearly missed by his family.
Dinger is survived by one son, Robert Keene, Jr. of Smullton: one grandson, Nathan Strouse of Bellefonte: one granddaughter, Sara Wert of Bellefonte: two great granddaughters, Addyson and Alayna Wert of Bellefonte: two sisters, Dorothy Fleming of Madisonburg and Beverly Hunter (Bruce) of Pleasant Gap. Dinger was preceded in death by one daughter, Ceclysta Strouse.
Family and friends will be received at the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Friday, February 20, 2026. The Celebration of Life service will follow immediately with Pastor Mike Covalt officiating. Dinger will be laid to rest in Madisonburg Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be given to the Tunnel of Towers Foundation at www.T2T.org or to the Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.