Dec 19, 1932-Sept 4, 2024
John R. McKeen, 91 of Crossville, TN passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024.
He was born on Dec. 19, 1932 to Henry Alexander McKeen and Margery (Boyle) McKeen of Mackay, Queensland, Australia and had 11 siblings, Kingsley Boydell, Grace Boyle, H. Cecil, Fred, William, Phillip, Gordan, Robert, Robin, Peter and Helen. He was raised in New South Wales and Queensland, of Australia. He attended Queensland State School. He went into the Australian Army where he studied Artillery and Radar & Computer in Sydney. He ultimately became an instructor for the Army. He received a Australian Defense Medal for his service.
He then went on to travel the world competing with cycle racing and track & Field as well as he was part of Australia’s Olympic Team. He also was known for training horses in multiple countries that led him to Canada. During his travels he met his future wife Nancy (Clark) McKeen of Springfield, OH and were married for 60 years.
John and Nancy raised three children, Carolyn Jo (1958), Kellee (1966) and John W. (1967). After retiring, He and his wife worked with Maden Lane Church of God in the Outreach Department to support those who were in need. They were known to give of their time to whatever was necessary. He was a long-standing member of Hillside Church of God and Maden Lane Church of God in Springfield, OH. While in TN he attended the First Church of the Nazarene. In his spare time, he loved spending time with any family members, talking to people, traveling, fishing, playing Kings on the Corner, card & pool games, reading the bible, watching any type of sports on TV and gardening. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his children Carolyn Jo, Kellee (her husband Scott) John W. and his 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild as well as many extended relatives that John adored.
There will be a service to honor John at First Church of the Nazarene Crossville, TN – Sat 7 Sept 2024. He will be laid to rest at Berry Highland West Knoxville, TN.
Condolences, hugs and love. Uncle John was such a kind and loving soul. We will always remember the times together the horses, reunions and trips to visit in years past. I hope God can understand his Aussie accent. God has certainly gained a good “Mate”.
Chuckie and Cindy Brodess
September 06, 2024
We loved John’s visits to Australia…..he was and always will be very special to his Aussie family. His sister Grace loved him dearly.
We will always remember our wonderful holiday to Ohio where we stayed with John and Nancy for a few days.
These wonderful memories will live on in our hearts.
With love
Peter, Debbie, Jake and Joshua.
Uncle John loved visiting his siblings, nieces and nephews in Australia. Last visit I (his nephew) took him to Redcliffe QLD where his family used to do horse rides for people on the beach when growing up. He remembered the US soldiers bivouacked there during WW2. Before that he made the effort to visit me and my family in Melbourne before COVID. And he came to my wedding in 2011. He had such fun dancing with everybody.
All our love to Aunty Nancy and the rest of the Family at this sorrowful time.
Andrew, Esther, AJ and Elsie