Obituaries

Bayne Cook Keenan

Photo of Bayne Cook Keenan
Bayne Cook Keenan, age 70, of Jefferson City, died Thursday, September 26, 2019. Bayne was born on August 13, 1949, to the late Richard Calvert and Alma Baldwin "Nenette" Dengre Keenan of New Orleans, La. He attended St. Rita School and Jesuit High School in New Orleans, La. From an early age, Bayne enjoyed sailing with his friends and four brothers. Bayne loved music, and starting in high school, his rock bands played dances, clubs, bars, and other gigs. Throughout his life, Bayne played guitar and bass in bands including The Pineapple Kids, Tim Williams Band of Gold, Passport, and, more recently, the Elmerine Street Band. Bayne married Joan Dunaway of Carthage, Mo. on June 16, 1984, at Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage. The couple first resided in New Orleans and had two daughters, Charlotte and Madeleine. In June 1992, the family moved onto Elmerine Avenue in Jefferson City. Bayne received a degree in English from University of New Orleans. He completed his Master of Science in Counseling at Lincoln University in Jefferson City and worked in special education at Jefferson City Public Schools. He worked many years at New Horizons Community Support Services in both Jefferson City and Columbia. With his colleagues at New Horizons, Bayne worked tirelessly to connect his clients with housing, employment, and mental health resources. Bayne enjoyed sharing his passion for literature and music with his daughters. He served terms as president of the Jefferson City Public Schools Orchestra Boosters and the Jefferson City High School Cross Country Boosters. He was also a master carpenter, using these skills to renovate the Keenan family home. He loved his grandchildren immensely. Bayne is survived by his daughters, Charlotte Keenan and Madeleine Schwerin (Andrew); grandchildren, Beulah, Hans and Scott Schwerin; siblings, Baldwin Keenan (Roni), Peter Keenan (Gwen), and Richard Keenan (Ann); numerous nieces and nephews and his two dog companions, Roxanne "Roxy" and Gertrude "Trudy." A memorial gathering to celebrate Bayne's life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday October 12, in the Parish Hall at Grace Episcopal Church in Jefferson City. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bayne may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson City.

Published October 2, 2019