William “Keno” Beezer
William Edward “KENO” Beezer, “The Legend” and hero of the Moshannon Valley area climbed the Golden Staircase on October 8, 2026, at 3:30am. He reached the pearly gates of Heaven and ran into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior to begin receiving all the rewards his earthly sacrifices made during his 86 years on earth.
A mere mortal man and a distinguished bachelor by all accounts, who spent nearly 47 years nurturing, teaching, disciplining and rewarding the youth of Philipsburg and the surrounding area. He kept them safe and he kept them active in the confines of the YMCA afterschool program. But more than all the accolades above he taught the kids about respect and he expected it in return. The lessons taught during those years would come back to him 10 fold when later in his life he suffered a medical issue and a hospital stay. Word got out and the community responded. Near and far they donated thousands of dollars, cleaned his house, cooked him meals and even put in a new kitchen for him and found some furniture to replace his old worn out couch. But more than anything, the letters that poured in telling stories about the impact he had made in their lives. A mere mortal man? Not to the thousands of youth that crossed his path or stepped foot into that YMCA gym or heard those words “NO! MISSED!” Come out of the most unique voice, off of a tall makeshift referee stand, and no one argued his call.
Keno was born on August 4, 1940, in Philipsburg, Pa., a son of Walter E. Beezer and Myrna (Moore) Beezer.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Margaret “Peggy” Beezer.
He was a 1958 graduate of the Philipsburg High School and a 1961 graduate of the Altoona School of Commerce. He also attended Penn State University.
He was a Life Member of the Philipsburg Elks Lodge and Country Club, Lodge No. 1173; and a social member of the Philipsburg VFW Post 3450.
Keno had a love for Bull Terriers and was affiliated with the Bull Terrier Rescue Club where he adopted 5 Bull Terriers over the years. Rocky, Max, Bart, Bentley and Bear.
He was hired as the first Executive Director of a newly formed Moshannon Valley YMCA in 1973. He retired in 2016 after 37 years. Prior to the YMCA, he worked at the Philipsburg State Hospital, Shain Industries and Lee Industries as an accountant.
In 1970 he was hired as a Major League Baseball Scout and in 1977 he was hired by the Major League Scouting Bureau and continued that position for 35 years in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Another of his many talents served in coaching Philipsburg Teener League baseball for 20 years. In 1976 he coached his team to their first Pennsylvania State Championship. He also coached the Philipsburg American Legion Baseball Team for 4 years.
He was elected to the Clearfield County Sports Hall of Fame in 1996 and in the same year he was elected to the Pennsylvania American Legion Hall of Fame and in 2021 wrapped it up by being elected to the Centre County Sports Hall of Fame.
Keno received many awards over his lifetime including the Spirit Award from the Philipsburg Revitalization Corp in 2010, the Vocational Service Award from the Philipsburg Rotary Club in 1978, the American Red Cross Volunteer of the Year in 1989, the Centre County Chamber of Business and Industry Community Service award in 1997, the Philipsburg Heritage Days Award for Community Service in 2010 and the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership for his service at the YMCA in 2000. He also served as the Philipsburg Area Chairman for the Centre County United Way in 1993 and was a member and officer of the Philipsburg Quarterback club for many years.
Keno was associated with the Keno Beezer Wiffle Ball Tournament that benefited the Philipsburg Osceola School District Education Fundraiser held every year at the Elks Lodge in Philipsburg where he faithfully threw out the first ball and got the tournament started.
On August 31, 2010, Keno retired from the YMCA executive director position. In honor of his long standing position to the youth, YMCA board members Bud O’Brien and Laura Bordas established an endowed scholarship in his name. The Keno Beezer Scholarship, available to support continuing education for graduating seniors at 3 of the local school districts: Philipsburg-Osceola, West Branch and Moshannon Valley. Since 2011, there have been over 160 students who have received $1,000.00 scholarships.
The entire community grieves his loss, sadly there will never be another man that gives his entire life to help raise and nurture the youth of this area. One can’t imagine the thousands of lives he has touched.
A celebration of Keno’s life will be held at the Moshannon Valley YMCA, 13 N. 14th St., Philipsburg, on October 18, 2026. Guests may begin arriving at the YMCA at 2:00 pm for an informal social gathering and light reception. The funeral service will begin at 3:30 pm with Rev. Eileen Weglarz, officiating
An Elks memorial service for Keno will be held on Sunday at the YMCA as part of the funeral service program.
Off-street parking will be available at the YMCA, the lot adjacent to the football field and at Slabtown Park.
Interment will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Keno Beezer Scholarship Fund, Centre Foundation, 1388 Ridge Master Drive, State College, PA 16803 or the charity of your choice.
The Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Philipsburg, is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at http://www.beezerheathfh.com.
