David John Keen

Born in Houston, Texas and raised in LaSalle, Quebec, Canada, he enjoyed playing sports with his older brother Michael, including football, baseball, and skiing.

David enlisted in the United States Army on February 26, 1985 and served for 20 years, with the majority of his time spent as Military Police. He served as a Personal Security Detachment (PSD) Agent in combat during Operation Desert Storm, as well as for leaders at EUCOM and CENTCOM. He spent his last two years as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Jackson to teach the next generation of soldiers. He retired on March 1, 2005 as a Staff Sergeant and earned the following awards during his service:

Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award); Army Achievement Medal (4th Award); Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award); National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award); Global War On Terrorism Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal With 3 Bronze Service Star (BSS); Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon With Numeral 2; Army Service Ribbon; Kuwait Liberation Medal-Saudi Arabia; Kuwait Liberation Medal-Kuwait; Air Assault Badge; Driver And Mechanic Badge With Driver-W Bar; Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.

After retiring from the military, David did not slow down. He spent one year at JHE Production Group working on events for NASCAR, 15 years at Bay Palms Golf Course as a tractor driver, and 7 years at Amalie Arena as security. He also went back to school and earned his AA Degree from Hillsborough Community College. In his free time he enjoyed playing golf, watching the Tampa Bay Lightning, and listening to rock ‘n’ roll.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make donations to your local American Legion Post or other Veteran support organization.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 5-7pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. Additionally, David will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC at a later date, so please be sure to sign up to “Get Reminders” for when that information is posted. The family encourages people to attend whichever event is most convenient, attending both is not necessary.

For those out of town wishing to travel to Tampa for the Celebration of Life, you can book at the Hyatt Place Tampa Airport / Westshore and use Corporate Code 25368. https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/tpazw-hyatt-place-tampa-airport-westshore/tpazw?corp_id=25368