Hilton Keen

Mr. Hilton Keen, 86, of Hot Springs, was born July 28, 1925, in Vicksburg, Miss. He went to be with his Lord Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011.

When Hilton was 17 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served his country for five years. He was awarded six battle stars during World War II combat missions.

Hilton graduated from Mississippi State University in 1948 with a degree in civil engineering. He was employed 22 years by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. An early assignment was to assist in the construction of Blakely Mountain Dam on Lake Ouachita. In 1950 he married Joy Howard of Hot Springs.

Hilton accepted an appointment to the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors in 1970, with a 15-year assignment in Washington, D.C. In 1986 he retired and returned to Hot Springs.

Hilton was an active member of First United Methodist Church, and he enjoyed traveling, outdoor pursuits, and spending time with his many friends and family. He will be remembered by all for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor.

Hilton was preceded in death by his parents, James U. and E. Elizabeth Keen; and five brothers.

He leaves his wife of 61 years, Joy Keen;

Three children, Randy (and April) Keen, of Glenwood, Raymond Keen of Atlanta, and Kerri (and Charlie) Crigger, of Blytheville; and

Six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Other survivors include his sister, Mrs. J. M. Hill Jr., of Meadville, Miss., and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. today at First United Methodist Church, Humphrey's Chapel, with the Rev. Carl Owenby officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR, or the Garland County Humane Society.

Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.hotspringsfh.com