Carroll Edward Keen Sr.

Carroll Edward Keen Sr. obituary, Smithfield, Va

FUNERAL HOME

Colonial Funeral Home

14214 Carrollton Blvd

Carrollton, Virginia

Carroll Keen Obituary

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.

Published by Daily Press from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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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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