Rev. Gale John Keown, 92, of Murfreesboro, TN concluded his Earthly journey on Tuesday, November 20, 2018. He achieved a distinguished life of dedicated service in the Cumberland Presbyterian faith. Rev. Keown was born in Bethany, IL to the late Homer and Vera Ward Keown as the eldest of four brothers.
During World War II, he served his country honorably in the United States Navy. Rev. Keown then graduated from Bob Jones University in South Carolina. He completed his education with a Master’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State University and completed his pastoral training at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Rev. Keown worked as a principal at Montvale Elementary School in Maryville, TN for a large part of his career. He also served as a tent making pastor at a number of stops including more than 32 years in the pulpit of Clarks Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Blount County as part of his 55-year ministry. He later retired to Murfreesboro where he was an active and dedicated member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Rev. Keown was also a talented pianist and was an active member of Kiwanis for many years, including terms served as Lieutenant Governor.
Rev. Keown is survived by his children, Larry Keown and his wife Linda of Murfreesboro, Kimberly Carter and her husband Pete of Maryville, TN, Lynn Waters and her husband Ron of Alcoa, and Lisa Johnson and her husband Tim of Mebane, NC; brother, Harold Keown of Decatur, IL; grandchildren, Larry David Keown and his wife Brandi, Nick Keown, Bradley Keown, Kimberly Johnson, Jessica Carter and her husband Miles, and Scott Carter; as well as two great-grandsons, Gavin Lee Keown and Marshall Ray Keown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Keown, and brothers, Dale Keown and Robert Keown.
Visitation with the family will be Friday, November 23, 2018 from 9:00am until 10:00am at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 23, 2018 at 10:00am at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Rev. Chris Warren will officiate. Burial will take place Friday, November 23, 2018 at 4:00pm at Clarks Grove Cemetery in Maryville, TN. Rev. Ron Longmire will officiate.
Memorials may be made to First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 907 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 or Clarks Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 3137 Old Knoxville Hwy, Maryville, TN 37804 in memory of Rev. Keown.
