of Little Rock, AR
February 19, 1926 - October 28, 2024
Harold Thomas Keen, 98, passed away on October 28, 2024 at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas surrounded by his family. He was born on February 19, 1926 in Cabanal, AR to Thomas I Keen and Gracie Blassingame Keen.
Harold is survived by his loving wife of seventy-seven years, Betty Jean Cotton Keen; three sons, Ricky Keen (Debbie), Michael Keen, Stephen Keen (Linda); two grandsons, Jeffrey Keen (Paige), Kris Keen (Sarah); two granddaughters, April Godelfer (Danny), Melissa Schulte (Brent); two bonus granddaughters, Jamie DeBerry and Jordan Eason; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, including a very special niece, Paula Barnes. He is preceded in death by his father and mother; sister, Eloise Keen Jenkins; his daughter-in-law, Brenda (Wallace) Keen and an infant sister.
Harold was a WWII veteran serving his country in the Pacific Ocean aboard the destroyer, USS Hudson in various battles including the invasion of lwo Jima on his nineteenth birthday.
He was a member of Parkway Place Church in Little Rock, AR for many years. He was a quiet man, a loving and faithful husband, a blessed father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He was happiest spending time with his family. After raising their sons and retiring from the US Post Office, he and Betty traveled for over thirty years in their RV's, enjoying the sights of this beautiful country and making many great, life-long friends, enjoying every minute of their travels together. Afterwards, they settled down to a quiet life in a retirement facility in Little Rock.
Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Roller-Drummond Chapel, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, from 2:00 to 4:00pm.
A graveside service, with United States Navy Honors, will be held at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas at 11:00am Monday, November 4, 2024, with Bro. Matt Overall officiating. Pallbearers will be Logan and Kris Keen, Brent Schulte, Danny Godelfer, Chad Cox and Hayden Powers; honorary pallbearers will be Jeffrey, Caleb, Noah, and Abram Keen, Ryan Schulte and Luke Godelfer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkway Place Church at https:/lwww.parkwayplace.church.
Harold was the best father-In-law I could ever ask for. He enjoyed family get togethers. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. We miss you Pops, and our hearts are broken. But we will see you again.
Love you Pops
Linda Keen
You were my life, my whole heart. I will love you till we meet again and we are reunited for eternity. Wait for me. I miss you so. But I couldn’t go with you. God knows best. And he kept me here Love you and miss you. Your Wife forever. Betty
TO BETTY & FAMILY HAROLD GAVE ME THE SPORT PAGE OUT OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT GAZETTE
EVERY SUNDAY AFTERNOON I AM GOING TO MISS HIM HE WAS A SWEET NABOR
Betty and all the family. I have such good memories of you all when you would visit grandpa in Conway. Time has a way of passing so quickly but good memories never fade. Remembering all during this difficult time in prayer.
Patti Satterwhite Reynolds
Many years ago my husband and I visited Betty and Harold at their home. Harold and my husband served in the Navy and both worked for the US Post office. Being they had those things in common they had much to talk about. After that visit we moved from Little Rock and only saw Harold and Betty at our family reunions. We always enjoyed seeing them and my husband always looked forward to getting to talk to Harold. I still remember the last time they and we were at a reunion. I will always remember Harold as a kind and gracious man and will never forget the few times I was blessed to visit with him and Betty.
Thinking of you sweet Betty and keeping you and the family in prayers. Love you, cousin Maggie
My best and favorite brother in law, more like a brother. In my life as far back as I can remember. Always good to me and always smiling. I have very fond memories of my childhood at Betty and Harold's house. He is missed and will be until we meet again which I have no doubt we will. Love you always
Unc, you have been everything to me: uncle, dad, friend and cohort, and gave me away at my wedding. I could always count on you to be there for me. I will hold you in my heart until we meet again. Love always.
I first called you Uncle Harold because I met you through my best friend, Karen , your niece when I was in elementary school. Then you became my father in law when I was 18. You have been a second father to me especially when I lost my dad in ‘07. You have been the best in everything and I will miss you so much until we meet again love you
Ricky, Michael & Steven,
Learning of your Dad's Homecoming brings back many fond memories of our childhood days in Pine Forest. Recalling, Ricky leading the way, Mike and me in tow we rode our bikes from Green Meadow Drive to Lake Nixon. About 10 miles. "Those Were the Days".
My Family is Praying for Yours as our Lord wraps his arms around your Mom and the Keen Family.
Your friend,
Kenny M. Harvey & Family