Chester Edward Keen

GOLDSBORO -- Chester Edward Keen, 89, died Thursday, June 13, 2002 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. He was born July 29, 1912 in Johnston County, near Four Oaks, the son of George Daniel Keen and Ida Jane Creech. Chester attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated from Kings Business College in Raleigh.

Chester is survived by: twin sister Esther Virginia Keen Brewer and brother George William Keene of Four Oaks; his wife of 63 years, Ilamae Fitzgerald Keen of Goldsboro; three children, James Edward Keen of Tarboro, twin son Jerry Andrew Keen of Goldsboro, and twin daughter Judy Ann Keen Farmer of Aiken, SC; six grandchildren, Robert David Keen of Raleigh, Jennifer Dianne Keen Kim of Los Angeles, CA., Shannon Rebecca Keen Gooding of Wilmington, Kelly Sullivan Keen McKinney of Wilmington, Elizabeth Baines Farmer of Spartenburg, SC., and Erin Fitzgerald Farmer of Atlanta, GA.

He was preceded in death by his sister Thelma Mae Keen Johnson of Goldsboro.

Chester retired January 1, 1983 from Johnson-Sherman Company of Goldsboro. Started in the 1941 by W. Robert Johnson and J. Floyd Sherman as a retail farm machinery business, Chester joined the company in 1946, becoming a partner as the business was transformed into a retail forest products company. Chester’s son, Jerry Andrew Keen, become a partner and the surviving owner.

Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Goldsboro was important in Chester’s life where he generously gave his time as Sunday School Superintendent, Church Treasurer, Trustee, member of the Administrative Board, and other volunteer leadership and finance positions during his 56 years of membership. Chester was invaluable in keeping meticulous historical and financial records of the church. He was recognized many times for his service, including Lay Person of the Year in 1985. Chester was always ready for service in any manner.

Chester gave 53 years of service to the Goldsboro Host Lions Club serving as President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a member of the Board of Directors. He annually participated in and kept records in his meticulous style for the Broom Sale, a fund-raising event benefiting blind persons in need. Chester was recognized as a life member in the club and as a Melvin Jones Fellow, an award honoring outstanding local club members for their commitment to humanitarian work.

Funeral services for Chester Edward Keen will be held Sunday, June 16, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Goldsboro with graveside service following at Wayne Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday, June 15, 2002, from 7-9 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Building Endowment Fund of Saint Paul United Methodist Church 204 E. Chestnut Street , Goldsboro, NC 27534 and Goldsboro Health Care/Kitty Askins Hospice, 2402 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534.