Bennie Keen

Bennie Keen passed away peacefully October 17, 2024 at Akron General Medical Center after a brief illness. 

Bennie was born May 5, 1940 in Pikeville, Kentucky to Bill and Haley Hall Keen as one of 10 children. He grew up in Greasy Creek, Kentucky. While the family did not have much like most families in Appalachia, they taught the value of hard work and education to their children. Other students who were making repeat appearances in their respective grades would copy his work. 

Like many young men throughout Kentucky and West Virginia, the Rubber Capital of the World and its appeal of a better like beckoned Bennie and he moved to Akron in 1958. He dropped the 'E' at the end of his name and quickly set out to make a name for himself.

One year later, Caudill Robinson, another migrant from Greasy Creek, introduced Bennie to his sister-in-law, Phyllis Perkins on Thanksgiving Day. The two were married July 12, 1960 and were married for 63 years until Phyllis' death on October 7, 2023.

Bennie worked at Saalfield Publishing and as a security guard assigned to Kent State University and the early days of Summit Mall before being hired at Ford's Cleveland Stamping Plant at Walton Hills early in 1967. Several months later, what could have been a short-term job turned permanent when another employee stepped forward and voluntarily took a layoff. 

After a brief time in Chicago, Bennie and Phyllis settled in to the Kenmore neighborhood to raise their family. They enjoyed traveling the country in their RV, with storing about hikes to buy a new swimsuit and an accidental trek to Tijuana still talked about to this day. The family home was also a place for family and friends to gather around, especially during the summertime.

He was proud to receive his GED in 1975 and was proud to see his children both go to college and receive their degrees.

He was laid off from Ford in 1979 and went back home to Kentucky, where he worked in various coal mines for 5 years. Ford called him back to work in 1984, where he moved to Tallmadge in the process for six years before moving to Cuyahoga Falls in 1990. Bennie also worked at Ford's Saint Paul and Atlanta plants.

Bennie finally retired from Ford in 1998, but it didn't truly mark retirement. He worked at Brookledge Golf Course and as a bus monitor for Akron Public Schools and Woodridge Local Schools before retiring in 2019.

Bennie enjoyed watching the Indians, Browns and Buckeyes and had a deep passion for golf. He loved going to the beach and sitting on the deck watching the ocean as well as attending Indians games. He also developed a habit of running, going from being unable to run a lap

around the plant to completing the Columbus Marathon. He was a member of United Auto Workers Local 420 and was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Bennie also enjoyed watching the news, where the question "What did you think of that dress?" could have led to the revival of Fashion Police. Other unexpected comments that could pop out of nowhere went against advice he told his children about thinking.

After Phyllis' death, Bennie moved in with his daughter Carm and her family. They quickly put to rest Bennie's fears and maintained his quality of life. He quickly adapted and had a new hobby of making wild and entertaining guesses to game show questions.

Bennie also loved eating out, enjoying Tip Top, Bob Evans, El Meson, Eddy's Deli and Whitey's. He used his brief time in U.S. Navy Basic Training to take advantage of the Veteran's Day free meal.

Besides his parents, Bennie was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Phyllis; grandson, Michael Keen; brothers, Ervine, Joe, Poyster, Whetzel and Teddy Robinson; sisters, Bertha Belcher, Maxine Charles, Kelsey Charles and Faye Thacker. 

He is survived by daughter, Carmalita (Tom) Shade of Cuyahoga Falls; son, Paul (Janet) of Easley, South Carolina; grandchildren, Patrick Shade of Cuyahoga Falls; and Devyn Keen of Easley, South Carolina; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. 

The family would like to thank everyone at Akron General Medical Center, from doctors to the therapists to the visiting nurses, for their care of Bennie.

Sadly, Bennie was unable to cast ballot in this year's General Election. He would urge evervone to cast their ballots by November 5. Those that knew him well knew the fate he wants for one particular candidate in question. (Read the obituary again if you need a hint).

It should also be known that any major thunderstorms in the area in the next couple of weeks may come from someone up above raising criticism about someone hogging the television with baseball Every. Single. Night. Of. The. Week.

Family and friends may visit at Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, OH 44305) on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 10am until the time his Memorial Service begins at 12pm. 

To share a memory of Bennie or to leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.