Every journey begins with one step. When someone we love finds a wonderful home in a world only faith can reveal, our memories can be like a song in the heart with the power to comfort and heal. On the afternoon of October 9th 2008 my beloved husband Ronald Keen went home to see Jesus. A tragic accident at Newmont Gold Mine claimed his life. Ron was born in Port Arthur, Texas, on January 2nd, 1952. Ron attended Port Acres High School in Port Arthur, Texas. There he played football and developed many lifetime friendships. Ron went from high school to apprentice training as a pipe fitter and welder journeyman. Ron came to Elko, Nevada 21 years ago to work for Newmont Gold Mine as a welder. Ron is survived by the love of his life Valencia whom he met in Elko 9 years ago and were married in Lamoille, Nevada. They treasured each other’s company in many ways through church, sports, mutual friends, travel and hobbies. Ron came to Jesus five and a half years ago. Both are members of Elko and Battle Mountain Church of Christ. Also surviving Ron are two sons, Jonathan Wayne Keen and Kevin James Keen. Ron will be missed by his family which includes sisters, Billy Jean Bixler, Beverly Keen, Gloria Kernechel, sister-in-law Ruby Keen, and Mom Browning (Valencia’s mother), also included are nephews Noel Buff, Jr., David Michna, L.D. Keen; nieces, Jerrie Lynn Bixler Hagemann, Shirley Schomerus, Lisa Bennett, Vicki Kibeaux, and numerous cousins. Waiting for Ronald with arms opened wide are his parents, Corine Dona and Estus Leland Keen, sister; Joyce Daily and brother Leland Dale Keen; and his nephew Michael Ray Buff and uncles. Ron will be fondly remembered for his ongoing teasing of Valencia, family, friends and co-workers. His love for singing gospel, country western and Elvis tunes. He enjoyed football, golf, fishing and hunting and will be greatly missed. A memorial service was held at Burns Funeral Home on Saturday, October 18, 2008 in Elko, Nevada. Graveside services and interment is scheduled for 3:00 pm. Thursday, October 23, 2008, at Memory Gardens in Nederland. A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday evening from 5:00-8:00 pm at Broussard’s in Nederland.
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Condolences (4)
W
I have spent countless hours with Ron and enjoyed every minute of it. Whether it was Ron singing Elvis songs to me on the graveyard shifts or teaching me how to improve my golf game. He will be greatly missed. Thank you Ron for all the great times and I look foreward to seeing you in heaven in a while my friend. By the way keep Elvis straight up there.
J
Words cannot describe the sadness I feel...especially today...the day we all said farewell to Ronnie. He was a special person to me and to all of my family. The word "friend" doesn't describe our relationship with Ronnie. He was more than just a friend...he was family to us, and we all loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed!!! Our hearts are with you during this difficult time, and we pray that God will sustain you and give you strength to carry on. We are ALWAYS here for you....just a phone call or e-mail away. Take care, and please keep in touch.
With lots of love and hugs,
Jamie (Dionne) Galindo
C
My heartfelt condolences and sympathy to all of Ronnie's family. I was a classmate of Ronnie's in high school. I know he will be missed by all, especially his sons, wife, sisters, and all of the Keen family. God and his Grace will sustain you in your time of sorrow and need. Cathy Ballard
Stephen F. Austin Hish School, Class of 1971
S
Valencia, Jonathan & Kevin -
I was so saddened to learn of Ronnie's passing. Actually, he's "Uncle Ronnie" to me; however, because I was older than him, I just couldn't make myself call him "Uncle" when we were kids growing up together!!
Valencia, I'm so anxious to meet you...I've heard such wonderful things about you from family members. It didn't take me long to learn how much you two loved each other and how happy he was with you. I'm just sorry I missed meeting you and visiting with the both of you last summer when you were here on vacation. I did, however, get to talk to Ronnie and for that I'm very grateful.
Jonathan and Kevin, it saddens me that you lost your dad at such a young age. I know you'll always remember how much he loved the both of you. I'm not too sure you even remember me--the last time I saw you guys you were little boys playing in our pool while visiting from Nevada one summer many years ago. I was impressed with you as boys, and I know I'll be impressed with you as young men when I get to see you again. Your dad was a very loving and special man. We could always count on having a good time when he was around. His Texas family will miss him dearly. I do take comfort in knowing that he's with my mom (big sister Joyce) and other family members that have passed before him.
I share in your grief and send my love. Please take care of yourselves.
Shirley (Michna) Schomerus
