Philip David Kean, 95, of Dawson, Nebraska was born on April 13, 1930, in Dawson, Nebraska to Jerry and Florence (Armbruster) Kean. He attended school in Dawson and graduated from Dawson High School with the class of 1948. Phil enlisted in the United States Navy and entered active-duty status on January 30, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri. He served his country until his honorable discharge on November 22, 1954, in San Diego, California.
On November 30, 1957, Phil was united in marriage to Carol Mae Spier at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson, Nebraska. Six children were born to this union: Don, Joy, Julie, Judy, Ron and Jon. The couple began their marriage raising their family on a farm 1 mile east of Dawson. While living in Dawson, Phil was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, served a few years on the Dawson Fire Department, and was a member of the Dawson-Verdon school board. He was also a member of the Chester Kerl Legion Post #39 in Pawnee City. Phil loved to go dancing every Saturday with the love of his life Carol, and they spent as much time as possible with family and going to their activities. Phil enjoyed playing pinochle, hunting, fishing and watching Husker Volleyball and Royals Baseball. He loved being outdoors, especially if it involved mowing, gardening, or any yardwork to be done. He spent countless hours on the patio on the porch swing watching birds and admiring his many flowers.
Phil passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 21, 2025, at his home in Dawson, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of ninety-five years, seven months and eight days. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol Mae, brothers: Paul (Juanita) Kean, Michael (Rose) Kean, and Frank (Ginny) Kean, sisters: Mildred (Barney) Barnett, Alice (Putt) Litherland, Mary (Paul) Guilliams, and Barbara (Charles) Ramsey.
Phil is survived by his loving children: Don Kean and wife Bonnie of Falls City, Joyce Huppert and husband Mark of Dawson, Julie Martinosky and husband Scott of Nebraska City, Judy Parrish and husband Doug of Falls City, Ron Kean of Belleville, WI; Jon Kean and wife Kellee of Salem, 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson, Nebraska with Father Kenneth Hoesing officiating. Interment will immediately follow mass at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Dawson with full military honors conducted.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha Street in Humboldt. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson.
Memorial contributions are suggested to family’s choice with a later designation.
Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com
Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 Nemaha St-Humboldt, Nebraska 68376 (402) 862-2915
