Delwin Paul Keener Jr., of Warsaw, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ after a long and fulfilling life of 97 years. He passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, Oct. 26, 2024, at Paddock Springs Assisted Living in Warsaw.
He was born on Aug. 31, 1927, in Fort Wayne, to Lillian Wilhelmine Koch and Delwin Paul Keener Sr. After high school, Delwin enlisted in the U.S. Army on Jan. 8, 1946, and proudly served during World War II as a PFC with the 6th photo tech squadron and was stationed in Tokyo, Japan. Delwin was honorably discharged on April 2, 1947.
On Nov. 24, 1951, he married the love of his life and partner in everything, Alice Lou Armstrong. They moved to Warsaw in 1966 and were blessed with 50 years of marriage before Alice passed away on July 17, 2002. Together they raised three sons, who later made them grandparents multiple times. Delwin dearly loved his role spoiling his grandchildren.
Delwin started Warsaw Wholesale Supplier’s with three other men, and were suppliers of well supplies, heating and air conditioning supplies and plumbing products to many customers over the years. Always a very good accountant, he took care of the business “old school” and was meticulous in his record keeping using good ole ledgers and spreadsheets. The business evolved into a family-run operation, with his son, David; and grandsons, Andy and Adam; carrying it forward. Even in his later years, Delwin was still part of the business. He especially enjoyed his Thursday lunches at the shop with his son and grandsons, and seeing his loyal customers.
He enjoyed the simple things in life, he and his wife Alice enjoyed traveling, he loved to take care of his yard, he was an excellent bowler and was part of a league at Gilliam Bowling Lanes for many years. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and golf. Playing dominoes and cards was a favorite pastime of Delwin’s. Having the pleasure of spending time with his family and friends sharing snacks and good conversations as they played. Delwin enjoyed worshiping alongside his church family as a longtime member of Winona Lake Free Methodist Church, now known as Winona Lake Community Church. The best things in his life were Christ and his family. He was very proud of his grandsons. Delwin was the heart of his family and will forever live on in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is now rejoicing in his eternal home in Heaven!
He will be lovingly remembered by his three sons: Kenneth Keener, Vandalia, Ill.; David (Gina) Keener, Leesburg; and Steven (Kathleen) Keener, McKinney, Texas; as well as seven grandchildren: Andy, Adam (Meghan), Matthew, Eric and Josh Keener; Paul and Peter Mambu; and three great grandchildren: Korbin, Wrenley and Carsyn. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and his sister.
Delwin’s life will be celebrated with a private family graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.