The Rev. Luther Barber Keene, 95, died Jan. 21, 2014.
The Rev. Keene was born Aug. 9, 1918, the eldest son of 10 children born to Martin Luther and Avis Barber Keen.
At age 21, he was called from the strawberry fields to preach the word of God. He was ordained on Christmas Day 1943 to preach in the Baptist Purity Association. From 1943 to 1958, his ministry was of the evangelistic order, as he traveled the roads of Florida and South and Central Georgia with his family and a canvas tent.
Returning to Plant City, he became well known as a carpenter and master builder. He continued his ministry through the remainder of his life and received a plaque Christmas Day 2013 to commemorate his 70th anniversary.
His touch was broad, his voice a quiet one — unless he was expounding the gospel of Christ. Ever the optimist, he never met a person he couldn’t love. His legacy is secure in this world through the lives of his offspring. His service to God will be rewarded some glorious morning, when the great book will be opened and his master will declare enter in the glories of the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Mildred; daughter, Wava Joyce; parents, Martin Luther and Avis Barber Keen; and seven siblings.
He is survived by his sisters, Alee Murray and Vernelle Surrency; four sons, Gerald LaRue (Dale), Hollis (Linda), LaRoyce (Debby) and Travis (Julie); four daughters, Freida Poole (Frank), Yolanda Joyner (Richard), Darlene Welch (Jack) and Cheryl Ham (Allen); 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and countless adoring family members.
A funeral service was held Jan. 25, at Salem Baptist Purity Church, Salem.
Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.