James E. Keown Sr.

CORNING, Ark. — James E. Keown Sr., 87, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away on February 25, 2019 at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Born December 28, 1931 in Hell, Mich., Mr. Keown was a former Deputy for both Clay County and Butler County Sheriff Departments. He was a former Chief of Police for Corning and Neelyville Police Departments. He proudly served in the U.S. Army until his retirement. He was a member of VFW Rapert-Poyner Post, a Shriner, and a member of Corning Masonic Lodge #719 where he became a 32° and Master Mason. He was of the Baptist faith.

On December 23, 1994, he married Deborah Watson. She survives.

Other survivors include his children; Robin Spinks, Bryan Keown, and James E. Keown, Jr., brothers; Dallas, Gene, Lyle, Lyman and Johnny Keown, sisters; Joan and Dorene, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, step-children; Keli (Jerry) Heuring, Richie Blackwell and Laurie Blackwell and grandchild Lucy Heuring.

He was preceded in death by parents; Earl and Thelma (Simon) Keown.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. at Ermert Funeral Home in Corning. Burial will be at Corning Cemetery.

Online condolences: www.ermertfuneralhome.com

Paid