Inc. 1967
A seven-year-old boy lost his life Friday afternoon, May 30,1969,when he slipped into the Monongahela River at Fayette City. The victim was identified as George Eugene Keener, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Keener of Fayette City. The youth was reportedly standing on a concrete pier when his dog fell into the water. He neared the edge to see what happened to the animal and fell into about 20 feet of water. Young Keener,a non-swimmer was accompanied by two cousins who went to the Fayette City Fire Hall about 100 yards away for help when he did not reappear. The incident took place about 1 p.m. Fayette City,Belle Vernon and North Belle Vernon firemen searched the river for the missing boy and were joined by Scuba divers from Greensburg Fire Dept. rescue crew. Divers recovered his body about 2:15 p.m. in about 30 feet of water a short distance from shore. The dog got out of the water safely. He was born in Gratztown on June 26,1961. His family recently moved to Fayette City from Gratztown.The victim was a second grade student at Fayette City Elementary School. Surviving in addition to his parents are five sisters, Mrs. Anthony Narol of Finleyville,Shella,Nancy,Cheryl and Teena,all at home and four brothers, William Jr.,Gary,Dean and Darrell,all at home. He is also survived by his maternal grandfather, Richard Matthews of Gary,Ind.,maternal grandmother, Mrs. Virginia Matthews of Marion Villa,paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry O'Donnell of McKeesport and maternal great-grandmother, Mrs. Alberta Matthews of McKeesport. Friends will be received in the Howard W. McCrory Funeral Home,Main St.,Fayette City after 4 p.m. on Saturday. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 1:30 p.m. on Monday. Burial will be in Belle Vernon Cemetery.
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