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SMITHFIELD, VA - Carroll Edward Keen, Sr. (Pete), born April 6, 1922 - passed away Wednesday September 18, 2013 at his home in Smithfield VA, surrounded by his family. Mr. Keen is survived by his wife of 71 years, Grace, a son, Carroll E. Keen Jr. (wife Dianne); three daughters, Brenda Vaughan (husband Joe), Carolyn Keen (husband, Michael Farmer), and Ruth Austin (husband Steve); three grandsons, William Austin (wife Elizabeth), Walter Vaughan (wife Ashley), Chris Vaughan (wife Gannaeya), a step grandson Marshall Blevins, and four great grandchildren, Olivia and Lillian Austin, Christian Vaughan, and Josey Vaughan. Born in Chatham, Virginia, Mr. Keen graduated from Pittsylvania High School in May 1939 and worked for English Construction Co. building homes in the Beaconsdale area in Newport News where he met his future wife, Grace Justice. They were married June 6, 1942. He worked in the Newport News shipyards until he entered military service August 31, 1944. He trained as an infantryman at Ft. Hood, Texas. As a member of the 398th Regiment, Company F, 100th Infantry Division he fought in France and Germany with distinction and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and the Combat Infantryman's Badge and was a member of the "Sons of Biche" who took the heavily defended French village of Biche in 1945. He was honorably discharged at Ft. Meade, Maryland, May 19, 1946 and returned home to his infant son and wife in Newport News. He was a member of the greatest generation, and always was proud to fly the flag in front of his home. He was student at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, apprentice school under the GI Bill. He worked as a master machinist at Dunkum's Machine and Automotive shop for over 28 years. With son Carroll ( JR) and his wife Frances they established Keen's Automotive in the early 1970's in Smithfield VA., where he worked until his retirement in 1989. He was a highly respected member of his community and active in support of many Isle of Wight County projects. A grave site service will be held at St. Luke's Cemetery, with full military honors on Friday, September 20, at 2:00 pm located on Benns Church Blvd. Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Request in lieu of flowers, donations to be sent to the Christian Out Reach Program, P.O. Box 253, Smithfield, VA. 23431. Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield, VA.
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Jr. Sorry to hear about your Dad, I have so many fond memories of him. Fuzzy
September 24, 2013
To the whole Keen family - So sorry for your loss of Mr. Keen. What a special man he was ! Prayers going out to all of you.
Irie Gwaltney West Parker
September 23, 2013
My wife and I will keep you in our prayers. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God continue to bless you during this time.
Richard Christmas
September 21, 2013
We are so sorry for your family's loss. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Bill and Debbie Vaccarelli
September 21, 2013
As a youngster growing up in the East End of Newport News I played in the Keen home with Jr. Mr. Keen was always kind and calm, never raising his voice no matter what we did. As an adult I dealt with him through my job and he had kept that same great personality. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Howard Crawford
September 20, 2013
Jr. our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always remember the time Pete took helping us when we were kids build our engines. He was a good man and he will be missed.
Warren & Beverly
September 20, 2013
Lifting your family up in prayer as you deal with the loss of your Dad. May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories. Much love
Sam & Patty Cohen
September 19, 2013
JR,Dianna,and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. God bless Mrs. Keen and all of the family.
Chuck and Shirley Dunn
Shirley Dunn
September 19, 2013
sorry to see pop go what a friend livedacross street fo yearsand our kid went to schooltogether to all of family best of everthing you have always been great friends will miss him so long pete
ed gwaltney
September 19, 2013
ALL OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
RICKY&JOHN DERRICK
JOHN DERRICK
September 19, 2013
Jane & I are very sorry for your loss
Mr. Keen seemed to always there to support whatever anyone in the family wanted to do, while maintaining a sense of reasonableness which on occasion was needed.
He offered me very good advice a number of times.
He was a great guy and will be missed
Alan & Jane
September 19, 2013
Jr. & Dianne, Bob and I pass along our thoughts and prayers to you. We will all see each other again at the Resurrection of the dead.
Tammy Barney
September 19, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to your entire family from Keith and Tammy Martin.
September 19, 2013
Jr I am so sorry to hear a out your Dad. I always liked your mom and dad. He was one of the sweetest men I ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Trisha Phillips
September 19, 2013
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