Donald Ray Keene, 88, passed away peacefully on Nov. 29, 2025, in Centralia. He was born March 28, 1937, in Centralia, Washington, to Ben and Susan Jones and was the adopted son of Fred and Helen Keene. Don grew up in Centralia, Washington, and Wichita, Kansas.
Don was a hard worker who was passionate about truck driving. One of his happiest places was sitting behind the wheel of a big rig somewhere out on the open road. He started his career driving a log truck. He and his wife, Karen, ventured into the long-haul business, operating D & K Trucking for many years. Don drove truck while Karen dispatched.
In his spare time, Don enjoyed boating, fishing, playing bluegrass music and spending time with family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Susan Jones, and Fred and Helen Keene; his brothers, Bobby Jones, Jerry Jones and Fred Jones; his sister, Estella Craig; and his son, Donald “Mark” Keene.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Keene; his brother, Willie Jones (Jeanette); his children, Steve Slusher (Dawn), Carmen Stedham (Ken), Kelly Holding (Jim), Shawna Larson (Bruce) and Keith Keene (Kelcey); his eleven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on Don’s birthday, March 28, 2026. Light food and refreshments will be provided from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fort Borst Park (Kitchen No. 2), 2020 Borst Ave., Centralia, Washington.
