Johnny Mitchel Keen

Johnny Keen, 65, of Rising Sun MD, passed away on August 20, 2021. He was born in Grundy, VA on October 14, 1955.

His very humble childhood began in the mountains of southwest Virginia. John would often talk about how rural the area was. Families were referenced by which “holler” they were located. He’d say that orders from the Sears and Roebuck catalog would take more than 3 weeks to arrive.

The Keen family remained in Grundy until John’s father passed away when John was a young boy. After this, his mother moved the family to the New Castle, DE area.

John worked several jobs before a friend recommended him for a machinist position at the metal fabrication company NVF in Newark, DE.

John remained a dedicated machinist at NVF for more than 30 years before retiring.

Being the proud father of two girls, John spent much of his time helping with his daughter’s dance recitals. When not helping set up numerous performances for the Oxford Center for Dance over the years, he would spend his time refinishing antique furniture. As a young man, John enjoyed riding and maintaining motorcycles. Upon retirement, John found enjoyment in spending time working around his home and collecting antique cars.

John was preceded in death by his parents Omar and Ruby (Thompson) Keen, his brother Harry Keen, sister Evelyn Keen and his former wife Andrea (Krim) Keen.

John’s family was most important to him. He will be loved and missed by his daughters Rachel Yurko and Molly Blake (Paul), along with his siblings and friends.

Based on John’s wishes, no memorial services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you use that money and, as John would often say, “Do something fun for yourself.”