Joseph Keen

BENTON, Mo. -- Joseph Charles Keen, 84, of Benton died Thursday, May 5, 2011, at his home.

He was born April 6, 1927, at Charleston, Mo., to Alvin and Clara M. Menz Keen.

Keen served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from June 1941 until his honorable discharge in June 1944. He was a seaman second class and earned the Bronze Star.

He and Donna Ruth Ray were married Feb. 7, 1949, in Flint, Mich.

Together they had six children, Judy (Arthur) Pierce and Sue (Bill) Chism of Burton, Mich., Jason (Leigh Ann) Keen of Benton, Joe (Sherri) Keen of Rogers, Ark., Joann Price (deceased) and Cheryl Thomas (deceased). They have 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

They resided in Burton, and he worked for the city of Flint, where he retired after 28 years of service. They moved to Benton in 1981 where he resided until his death. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church in Benton.

He was a bus driver and janitor 10 years at Kelly schools in Benton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, two daughters and a grandson.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton, and from 9 a.m. until time of service Tuesday at Unity Baptist Church.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Dennis Lowe officiating. Burial will be in Unity Baptist Cemetery, with full military honors.