Edward Auge Keene (SAA Class of 1968)

September 10, 1953 - February 13, 2022

On Sunday, February 13, 2022, as the new day's dawn broke, Edward Auge Keene of Johnson City, TX awoke as he always did, giving thanks for another day. Though his body was tired, his spirit was full of grateful appreciation to be able to draw another determined breath every second he was graced on earth. He lived on his stubborn, loving terms and was happy to leave on his terms at his favorite place on earth, The Auge Ranch. Edward passed away peacefully that evening with his loving "Cindy Lou" Cynthia Louise Keene by his side.

There was never a dull moment with him, traveling, exploring, and daring his children to always try new things. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, swimming, games, cooking, wildlife management and conservation, storytelling, 1970s rock and country music, and any outdoorsy activity, but most of all he loved time with his family. Edward was fortunate enough to have spent most of his life with his soulmate Cynthia holding his hand through all of these adventurous moments while also raising three strong, independent daughters together.

Edward had nicknames for all of his children, grandchildren, and even all the animals on the ranch. He always imparted sayings that were at times insightful for the instant or could bring a chuckle to a moment of extreme seriousness. Up until the end, his positive outlook, larger-than-life stories, and sense of humor remained with him.

Edward was born September 10, 1953 in San Antonio, TX. As a boy, he was on the swim team, attended Camp Longhorn Ink's Lake for 9 years as a camper and counselor, and could be found golfing, fishing, or hunting most days after school. He attended Alamo Heights High School and graduated in 1972. He then attended Texas Christian University and Southwest Texas State and belonged to Delta Tau Delta fraternity while at TCU. Edward and Cynthia were married on May 6, 1978 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in San Antonio, TX. They moved to Johnson City, TX in 1980, where he was a rancher and in construction.

Though many of his proudest moments involved those spent with his family, he was always getting into new adventures and hobbies. Among them, a turkey hunt on the Auge ranch with close friends for 32 years. With his three girls, he raised show animals and "Keene Durocs", and was a Life Member of Blanco County 4-H and FFA Youth Council. Ed was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Johnson City, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents John T. Keene and Helen Mae Auge Keene of San Antonio, TX.

Edward is survived by his wife of 43 years Cynthia Louise Keene; his three daughters Christine Keene Simcox (husband Jobe H. Simcox), Ella May Arnel (husband Michael Arnel), and Anabelle Keene (husband Stephen M. Brotherman); his rambunctious grandchildren Madeline Audrey Farrell, Connor Austin Farrell, Kingston Edward Rudd, and Sawyer David Rudd; his sister Mary Ellen Mauzé (husband Jean Mauzé) and brother John T. Keene Jr. (wife Cathy Keene). And so many other important loves ones.

A private Celebration of Life will be held with his loved ones and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "Johnson City Library" (https://jclibrarysite.org/Get-Involved/Donate) and "Johnson City Education Foundation" (https://jccefonline.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

 

Originally published by Express-News on Feb. 27, 2022.