Wanda Merle (Pamplin) Keen, age 91, of Newcastle, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The daughter of John Ivan and Hazel Estelle Oleta (Moore) Pamplin, Wanda was born April 1, 1933, in Bradley, Oklahoma Wanda graduated from Capitol Hill High School and married Charley Alexander Keen, Jr. in 1952. They moved to Newcastle, Oklahoma, with their five children in 1970. Wanda worked as a secretary at an insurance company for a while, but also owned and operated a feed store that she and Charley opened together, as well as served as Vice President of Keen Construction Company, that they owned. The profession that she enjoyed the most was that of homemaker. After Charley passed away in 1991, Wanda married Harry Ussery in 1995 until his passing in 2001.
Wanda hardly ever sat still and loved being involved in her community of Newcastle. She was instrumental in starting the first PTA organization within the school system. She was a lifetime member of the Blanchard VFW Women’s Auxiliary, where she volunteered, held many offices, and participated in many ways over the years.
She was a member of several Newcastle organizations including the Homemakers Extension Club, Quilters Club, Red Hatters, and Donut Dollies. She volunteered at the Veteran’s Center and Veteran’s Hospital. Wanda was an honorary member of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Chosin Few.
Wanda was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Charley Alexander Keen, Jr.; second husband, Harry Ussery; daughter, Renee Stanford; son, Curtis Ray Keen and his wife Deborah; daughter-inlaw, Jackie Keen; and brother, Cothel Pamplin.
She is survived by: her two sons, Terry Keen of Tuttle and Kerry Keen and wife Vicki of Oklahoma City; daughter, Amber Johnson and husband Kenny of Newcastle; son-in-law, Billy Stanford and wife Judy of Newcastle; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family members and friends.
Graveside services were at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Newcastle Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard. Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.
