He was born November 1, 1923 to Malcom and Hazel (Minteer) Keen in Guthrie, OK.
He married L. Marguerite Roderick on July 11, 1943 in Bloomington, IL. She passed away July 31, 2010.
James is survived by his children Leanah (James) Litwiller, Nancy (Michael) Rimshas, Charlene Carlson, Kelly Keen, Julienne Lingle, Judy Rohde, Leslie Singh, Jacalyn Starnes, and Kelly Stone; twelve grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one brother, one sister, son Daniel Keen, and daughter-in-law Judy Keen.
James was the owner and operator of Keen Tile, Inc. until his retirement.
James joined the Merchant Marines in 1945 during the 2nd World War. He was a highly skilled radio operator on tanker ships.
He and his wife loved to fish whenever they had the opportunity. He built Keen Tile, Inc., a wholesale tile business, on prayer, fulfilling a dream.
James didn’t know a stranger. He could begin a conversation with anyone, finding common interests, sharing his war experiences, or his love for helping others. He lived his faith in Jesus Christ from day to day unashamedly.
His capacity for love was unlimited, so he kept adding more daughters over the years, seeing a spiritual, financial, or family need in their lives and trying to help fulfill it.
He was a loving husband, son, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be Monday December 2, 2019 1:00-3:00 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral service to follow. There will be a private family entombment at East Lawn Memorial Garden Mausoleum.
Memorial contributions may be made in James’s honor to Freedom Baptist Church: Building Fund or Wounded Warrior Project: P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.eastlawnmemorial.com.
