SMITHFIELD – Carroll Edward Keen Sr. (Pete), born April 6, 1922 – passed away Wednesday September 18, 2013 at his home in Smithfield VA, surrounded by his family. Mr. Keen is survived by his wife of 71 years, Grace, a son, Carroll E. Keen Jr. (wife Dianne); three daughters, Brenda Vaughan (husband Joe), Carolyn Keen (husband, Michael Farmer), and Ruth Austin (husband Steve); three grandsons, William Austin (wife Elizabeth), Walter Vaughan (wife Ashley), Chris Vaughan (wife Gannaeya), a step grandson Marshall Blevins, and four great grandchildren, Olivia and Lillian Austin, Christian Vaughan, and Josey Vaughan.

Born in Chatham, Virginia, Mr. Keen graduated from Pittsylvania High School in May 1939 and worked for English Construction Co. building homes in the Beaconsdale area in Newport News where he met his future wife, Grace Justice. They were married June 6, 1942. He worked in the Newport News shipyards until he entered military service August 31, 1944. He trained as an infantryman at Ft. Hood, Texas.

As a member of the 398th Regiment, Company F, 100th Infantry Division he fought in France and Germany with distinction and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and was a member of the “Sons of Biche” who took the heavily defended French village of Biche in 1945.

He was honorably discharged at Ft. Meade, Maryland, May 19, 1946 and returned home to his infant son and wife in Newport News. He was a member of the greatest generation, and always was proud to fly the flag in front of his home.

He was student at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, apprentice school under the GI Bill. He worked as a master machinist at Dunkum’s Machine and Automotive shop for over 28 years. With son Carroll ( JR) and his wife Frances they established Keen’s Automotive in the early 1970’s in Smithfield VA., where he worked until his retirement in 1989. He was a highly respected member of his community and active in support of many Isle of Wight County projects.

A grave site service will be held at St. Luke’s Cemetery, with full military honors on Friday, September 20, at 2:00 pm located on Benns Church Blvd. Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Request in lieu of flowers, donations to be sent to the Christian Out Reach Program, P.O. Box 253, Smithfield, VA. 23431.

Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield, VA.