He was also preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-love, Dexter and Ione Gibson. Hubert is survived by his loving wife Evelyn Chambers McKeown. He is also survived by 2 children, Nickie (Jimmy) Owens and Bud (Nancy) McKeown all of Rock Springs. He has five grandchildren, Jaime (Ken) Hunter, Stacy Owens, Landon (Andra) Owens, Matt McKeown, and Andrew McKeown; and five great-grandchildren, Zoey and Kenzee Hunter and Peyton, Liam and Ivy Owens. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Hubert attended public school and graduated from Drew Central High in 1952, graduated from Arkansas A&M College in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education. He drove a Drew Central school bus while attending A&M. He received a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1964. Hubert taught in public schools in Little Rock, Drew County, and Lincoln County and was the Director of Placement and Financial Aid and the Director of Admissions at Arkansas A&M / University of Arkansas at Monticello. He served as the Drew County School Supervisor for 17 years, retiring in 1992, with over 40 years in Education. Through the years many former students visited and thanked him for the positive impact he made on their lives.
Hubert was active in many community, county, state, and area organizations. He was a member of Rock Springs United Methodist Church where he served as Lay leader, Lay Delegate to the United Methodist annual conference for 50 years, treasurer, chair of the Finance Committee, and taught different Sunday school classes. He served on the Drew Central School Board for 10 years and was president of the Drew County Teachers Association. He was a Charter member of the Drew County Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Monticello Optimist Club, where he served as President for 2 terms. Hubert was very active in the Drew Country Fair for 53 years where he served in many different capacities. He was also active with the Arkansas Fair Managers Association for 10 years.
Hubert received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army after 2 years of active service and 6 years in the reserves. He was a John Deere enthusiast and loved all things tractors. He often traveled with his good friend, Johnny Free, to numerous tractor shows. Sometimes they would return with yet another tractor and they always returned with stories to share. Hubert was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He spent his retirement helping Evelyn with her gardens and keeping his grands and great-grands. He loved to travel and was able to take many trips throughout his life and his retirement.
Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Rock Springs United Methodist Church with burial in Rock Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour preceding the funeral service from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com. The family prefers that those that would like to visit with them to come by the house at 771 Rock Springs Road on Tuesday, September 14th.
Condolences(19)
June Brixie
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 16, 2021 Dear Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Huberts was such a great person. He was always friendly and had a smile. He truly made the world a better place. Prayers for all of you.Tiara Hobbs Robinson
Greenbriee, AR Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Bud please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad.Diane and Buster Newman
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Mrs. Evelyn, Nickie and Bud:So much history between the Rock Springs, Brandon, and Barkada Communities! Mrs. Lillian was our Avon Lady during the 60’s-70’s era and Mr. Hubert was one of the finest men (other than my daddy) I’ve ever known. He always greeted people with a smile and showed a sincere interest in them and their family. Rock Springs has lost another Pillar of the Community, but
Heaven has gained a gentle soul!
Sorry we are unable to attend the services, but are out of town until Sunday. May God continue to bless your family. The legacy your husband, dad, granddad left behind will be felt for generations.
Alvin and Irma James
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 15, 2021 To family: What a precious man. Always was so sweet to visit with. He will be missed dearly by many. Love to each of you .Our thoughts and prayers with you.Britney Johnson
Hermitage, AR Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Your family is in my prayers! He was a very special person and will be missed greatly!Britney Johnson
Hermitage, AR Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Your family is in my prayers! He was a very special person and will be missed greatly!Walter and Janet St. John
Benton, AR Tuesday, September 14, 2021 So sorry to hear about Hubert. We loved that man so much! Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family. I think about y'all so often and have missed seeing everyone. I'm sorry we can't make the trip down tomorrow. I've texted Anne but she is out of state at the present.Tabatha Shoaf
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, September 14, 2021 Prayers for the family. Mr. Hubert was a good man and will be missed by many.Rhea LaGrone
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 14, 2021 My thoughts and prayers are with the family Hubert was a great person and a lot of fun to always be around I know he will be missed by allDeClare Hyatt
Rison, AR Tuesday, September 14, 2021 Heaven has gained a wonderful angel. I will miss you smile!Linda Barnett
Mpnticello, AR Tuesday, September 14, 2021 Jamie, I am so sorry to hear about your father's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. May GOD give you peace that passes all understandingPAMELA JASAY HALL
PINE BLUFF, AR Tuesday, September 14, 2021 MCKEOWN FAMILY:So sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of the entire family. A lot of my relatives lived in Rock Springs and we attended church with you all growing up in Monticello. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Pamela Jasay Hall
Donna Usry
Wilmar, AR Monday, September 13, 2021 Mrs. Evelyn and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.Bob Prestridge
Hot Springs Village, AR Monday, September 13, 2021 So sorry to learn of your loss.Larry Austin
Mansfield, AR Monday, September 13, 2021 To the family of Mr. McKeown; Mr. McKeown was a good friend and great school employee as teacher and principal at Glendale High School. He was always respected and he always showed respect to others. I have great memories of working with him.May God bless you Mrs. McKeown and all of your family.
Barbara Benton
Monticello, AR Monday, September 13, 2021 Matt and Landon, you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.Your former teacher,
Ms. "B"
Weldon and Carolyn Wynn
Star City, AR Monday, September 13, 2021 We will miss Mr. Hubert. He was a good friend of the family and of the Arkansas Fair Managers Association. Our prayers are with the family.Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Monday, September 13, 2021 Deepest sympathy to the family. RIP Hubert.Annette Watson
Monticello, AR Monday, September 13, 2021 Many prayers for this precious family. Love you all!