Mike McKeen, native of Starkville, Mississippi and life long resident of Montgomery, Alabama passed away on November 13, 2019 at the age of 79. He was born on June 30, 1940, the son of Susan Burruss McKeen and Allyn McKeen, both of Memphis, Tennessee. After graduating from Lanier High School in 1958, he attended the University of Alabama where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and first baseman for the University baseball team. He then served three years in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Manatee and upon honorable discharge he completed his Bachelor of Science from Huntingdon College in Montgomery. After graduation, he led McKeen & Wilson Sporting Goods until the mid 1980s. Mike was active with the Montgomery Lions Club, Dixie Youth Baseball, YMCA Youth Football & Basketball, YMCA Indian Guides & Princesses; the Cloverdale Community Center; and member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. He ended his professional career in the heavy equipment business until his retirement.
Mike will be remembered as an avid sportsman playing and coaching football, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, bird hunting, fishing and horseback riding. His competitive spirit, infectious optimism, and tireless energy fueled his passion for living. He was a devoted husband of 55 years to Janet Belcher McKeen; loving dad to Kirk, Scott, and Kristin; and proud grandfather to Sadler, Carson, Stuart, and Callie.
Mike lived with gratitude and joy—foundational truths from his savior, Jesus Christ, and as reflected in Philippians 4:8, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.”
He is preceded in death by his parents Allyn and Susan McKeen and brother-in-law, Charles Minch. He is survived by his wife, Janet Belcher McKeen; sister, Cathy McKeen Minch of Spartanburg, SC; children, Kirk McKeen (Katie) of Montgomery; Scott McKeen (Alison) of Birmingham; Kristin McKeen Daniel (Brian) of Gainesville, GA; grandchildren, Sadler McKeen, Carson McKeen, Stuart Daniel, Callie Daniel; and nieces, Susan Starnes and Margaret Minch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery.
