Jack O. Keen

Jack O. Keen, 94, of Meridian, passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, July 29th, at Baptist Anderson Hospital.

Jack was born to Adam and Lula Mae (Mabry) Keen on February 23, 1931, in Neshoba County. He and his siblings were taught from a very early age to work hard, which he did right up until his health no longer allowed him to. In July of 1952, Jack enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country during the Korean War. Jack was awarded several commendations and medals for his time in the Army, including the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Good Conduct Medal, just to name a few.

In December of 1952, he married the love of his life, Ms. Bernice Yates, in Philadelphia, MS. They were married for 54 wonderful years before Bernice’s passing in 2006. Jack was known to have a big heart and loved helping anyone in need. He loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren, teaching them anything he could and enjoying their company. Jack’s absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him, but they rest in the assurance that he is fully healed in the arms of Jesus and reunited with his beautiful bride.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Diane Beech, Jackie Davison, and Regina Nichols (Tim); brother, Ed Keen; sister, Janice Chesney (Bro. Lin Chesney); five grandchildren, Brent Martin (Ashley), Stephne Ellis (John), Daphne Calhoun (John), Keely Donahue, and Crystal Davison; eight great grandchildren, Jackson Martin (Marley), Ethan Martin, Blaine Ellis (Sophia), Brady Ellis, Gracie Lin Ellis, Leslee Easterling, Greyson Calhoun (Hannah), and Walker Keen Calhoun; along with a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Lula Mae Keen; his beloved bride, Bernice Y. Keen; brothers, Lavon Keen and Joe Keen; and his grandson, Preston Davison.

Visitation for Jack will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, at Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North from 12-1pm. Funeral Services will be held in the chapel following the visitation with Bro. Ron Cooper officiating the service. Burial will take place in Meridian Memorial Park where Jack will be laid to rest next his beloved Bernice.

Serving as Pallbearers for Jack’s service will be his great grandsons, Jackson Martin, Ethan Martin, Blaine Ellis, Brady Ellis, Greyson Calhoun, and Walker Calhoun. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be his nephews who lovingly referred to him as “Papaw Jack”: Tommy Moore, Eddie Moore, and Jeff Moore.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jack’s honor to Rock Creek Baptist Church, to Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice. Jack was always faithful and honored to give of his time and money to help take care of the church cemeteries.

The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North is grateful for the opportunity to honor Jack’s life and memory and to serve his loving family during this time.

Rock Creek Baptist Church: 72 Little Rock County Line Rd, Union MS 39365

Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church: 2000 Pleasant Grove Rd, Little Rock, MS 39337