Indianapolis - Ernest Murl “Ernie” Keen, 69, passed away Monday, October 7, 2019. He was born December 20, 1949 in Scottsville, KY to Essie Johnson Griffin and the late Ernest Keen. He was an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army. Ernie served as a machinist for several years and then went to school to be certified in heating and cooling. He then served in maintenance for commercial properties.

Ernie enjoyed working on cars, collecting guns and fishing. He loved music of all kinds, from Mo-town to bluegrass and from country to jazz and blues. His family described him as a man who never met a stranger. He had a smile that would draw people in and the bluest eyes that reflected kindness and reassurance. He had a special way of talking to people and the ability to connect with them no matter what was going on in their lives. If Ernie was your friend, you had a friend for life.

Ernie loved his family and prided himself on being a “Papaw.” He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Jennie Key and Phoebe Clifford; grandfather, Asbury Keen; father, Earnest Keen; sisters, Phoebe Curtis and Robin Chastain; and brothers, Ronnie and Donnie Keen, and Tom Smith. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Keen; daughter, Angela Russell, and her husband, Jack, Jr.; son, Ernest M. Keen, II and his wife, Angie; mother, Essie Griffin; sisters, Shawn Bowling and Carol Heady; brothers, Everett, Arvine and Brian Keen, Shannon Hoskins and Les Heady; grandsons, Jaime, Coty and Jordan Russell and Dominic, Caleb and Joshua Keen; and many other beloved family members and friends.

Ernie’s family will receive friends Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 9 – 11 am at newcomer cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 925 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227. A celebration of his life will follow at 11 am.

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