OBITUARY: Retired Naval Officer, Space Program Engineer William Edwin “Bill” Keeney III, 95, Passed Away Aug. 22
By Space Coast Daily // September 2, 2025
Military Officers Association of America honored Bill with its Distinguished Service Award
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – William Edwin “Bill” Keeney III, 95, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, in Indian Harbour Beach, FL. A resident of Satellite Beach for more than four decades, Bill was known for his quick smile, boundless energy, and steadfast commitment to family, service, and country.
Born on August 22, 1930, in Clarinda, IA, Bill’s long and full life came to a close on his 95th birthday. The elder of two sons of William E. Keeney, Jr., and Dorothy LaVerne Enarson Keeney, he graduated from East High School in Sioux City, IA, in 1948, then earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska in 1952 and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1958.
A loyal Cornhusker fan throughout his life, he was honored in 2002 with the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Nebraska Alumni Association.
Bill was a proud Navy man who loved being on the water—especially under sail. His path of service began in Navy ROTC at East High School and continued with the Naval ROTC unit at the University of Nebraska, which helped fund his education. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Navy and served aboard the light cruiser USS Manchester (CL-83) during the Korean War.
Before his honorable discharge at the rank of lieutenant in 1956, Bill was appointed Assistant Professor of Naval History at the University of Notre Dame, where he shared his knowledge and passion for maritime service with future officers. For his dedication, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three battle stars, and the United Nations Service Medal.
Bill remained deeply connected to the military community, serving in leadership roles with the Cape Canaveral Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, which honored him in 2008 with its Distinguished Service Award—the chapter’s most prestigious recognition.
Professionally, Bill built a distinguished engineering career. He contributed to ensuring the safety of Apollo astronauts after the Apollo 1 fire, which helped make the Moon landing possible. His work also included designing ICBM guidance systems and contributing to the formerly top-secret Hexagon reconnaissance satellite program. Beyond engineering, he served two terms as a City Councilman in Danbury, CT.
In 1980, he married Eileen Jeffries Faull, and together they built a life rich with adventure. They lived in Radford and Blacksburg, Virginia, before retiring to Satellite Beach. Bill and Eileen shared a love of sailing, travel, and motorsports, including active involvement in Porsche Club of America. They have enjoyed many wonderful decades of membership and camaraderie at Eau Gallie Yacht Club.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Keeney; three sons from his first marriage to Doree Keeney: William Kennedy of San Marcos, CA; Brant Keeney of Phoenix, AZ; and Daniel Keeney and his wife, Julie, of Portland, OR; his stepdaughter, Cynthia Faull Mitas Friedemann, and her husband, Dr. Tom Friedemann, of Oklahoma City, OK; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Jon Keeney, and his stepson, Gregory Faull. The family thanks Jenna Land-Williams for her loving and faithful care of Bill.
Above all, Bill was a devoted mentor and guide who enriched the lives of his family and friends with his wisdom, humor, and unwavering support — a legacy that will live on in all who knew him.
Interment with military honors took place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida.
