Charles Eugene Keene; age 85 of Mt. Pleasant passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026 at McLaren Central Michigan Hospital. Charlie was born August 16, 1940 the son of Duane and Coral (Howay) Keene.
Charlie was a man who felt most at home outdoors. Whether he was tending to his garden, hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying the fresh air, he found peace in nature and rarely liked to stay inside for long. In his later years, it became routine for Charlie to spend his mornings outdoors, come in for lunch and a short nap, and then head right back outside for the rest of the day. Few things brought him more happiness than being surrounded by the outdoors, especially during his many trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Following retirement, there were few roads north of the bridge left unexplored by Charlie, particularly around Robinson’s Deer Camp and Muskallonge Lake, places that became some of his favorite destinations and sources of cherished memories.
Charlie also had a lifelong love for hockey. In his younger years, he played for the Winn Rockets, a local hockey team that competed throughout the late 1950s and into the 1960s. Alongside his love for sports and the outdoors, he enjoyed quieter moments as well, especially sitting down to work on crossword puzzles.
Education and teaching were important parts of Charlie’s life. A 1958 graduate of Shepherd High School and a 1963 graduate of Central Michigan University, Charlie dedicated many years to teaching mathematics. He began his career at Montabella Schools from 1965 to 1967 before briefly working for Strahan Construction. He later returned to the classroom, where he taught math at Beal City High School from 1970 until his retirement in 1996. Charlie took pride in helping students learn and carried the steady, hardworking nature of a teacher throughout his life.
On June 11, 1966, Charlie married the love of his life, Carole Ann Hatinger, beginning a marriage filled with years of shared memories, family, and adventure.
Charlie is survived by his wife Carole; his son Rick (Erin Busch-Grabmeyer) Keene; grandson Brien (Autumn Schulze) Keene; and several nieces and nephews. Charlie is preceded by both his parents; 4 siblings Jack (Mary Lou) Keene, Mary Lou (Jim) Lasich, Kenneth (Marge) Keene, and Tom Keene and nephew Rob Keene.
There will be a visitation Friday, May 15 from 4 to 8 P.M. at Berry Funeral Home in Shepherd. Memorial contributions can be made on behalf of Charlie to a charity of your choice.
