Rayford Elton Keen, Sr.

Rayford Elton Keen, 82 years old, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2012, in Ocean Springs, MS. Rayford was born in East Texas and had been a longtime resident of the coast. At age 17 he joined the U.S. Coast Guard, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer after serving 20 years of duty. He then went to work at the U.S. Postal Service for the next 21 years. When he wasn't working he loved to be outdoors. He was known for his prized garden especially his tomatoes and blueberries He loved to share his love of food by cooking for everyone He will be remembered by his family as a Loving husband and father, Spiritually at peace, and will be missed by all. Rayford was preceded in death by his daughter, Myrna Loy Keen. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Mansfield Keen; daughters, Brenda Duncan and April Petrofes; sons, Rayford Keen Jr, Michael Keen and Allen Keen; eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family would like for donations to go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Visitation is Monday, February 20, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs. A procession will leave the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. for Graveside services at 12:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery with military honors.