Walter Michael Keene, III, 58 of Mechanicsville, MD died on April 9, 2008 at his home with his family and friends at his side.

Michael was born in Coates, NC on June 20, 1949. He was a former long time resident of Arlington, VA, where he graduated from Wakefield High School in 1967. He attended college at Northern VA Community College and James Madison College and received a Business Degree. Later he resided in Reston, VA for 18 years before relocating to St. Mary's County.

Michael was self employed and had been in the fencing business for 35 years. He loved to build decks and fences and was in the process of starting his own fence company here in St. Mary's County, when he became ill in late February.

Most people remember him by his height. He was 6'8" tall. He was fun loving, great sense of humor, kind, honest and generous man. He always made a room light up when he walked in. He particularly loved watching birds at the many bird feeders he had set up. He loved the outdoors. He loved to build and fix things. He was an outstanding carpenter. He was a loving son, brother, uncle and dad and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends. Michael is survived by his mother, Audrey Keene, Sister Debbie Ferguson, niece Holly Ferguson all of Mechanicsville, MD. His daughter, Katherine Hatcher, husband PJ Hatcher and 2 grandsons, Justin and Jayden of Budd's Creek, MD His step-daughter Sarah Bowman and her daughter Natalie of Herndon, VA.

The family will receive friends at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., Charlotte Hall, MD on Sunday, April 13, 2008 from 3pm to 5pm where a Life Celebration will be held at 5PM all are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home.