Lawrence Edward Keen, Sr.

Lawrence Edward Keen, Sr.
DELTA CO. MAY 69 - FEB. 70


May 9, 1940 - November 13, 2023

DELTA CO. MAY 69 - FEB. 70

Lawrence Edward Keen, Sr. Obituary

Loris, South Carolina

Mr. Lawrence “Larry” Edward Keen, Sr., age 83, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023. Born on May 9, 1940, in Norwood, OH, he was the son of the late Margaret Porter Boggs. Mr. Keen served his country with courage, honor, and distinction with over twenty-three years in the United States Marine Corps. After his military career he worked with FEMA and as a certified PADI instructor.


Larry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in May 1957. During the next 23 years, he attained promotion after promotion eventually retiring from his beloved Corps in 1980, as a Master Sergeant. His accomplishments during his time in Service became legendary as he rose through the ranks. During his time in combat in Vietnam, and in addition to numerous campaign medals and awards, his heroic actions resulted in him being awarded the prestigious Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” Distinguishing Device. He was twice wounded in action and received the Purple Heart Medal with star, signifying a second award, as well as the Combat Action Ribbon. A driving force within the Recon and Force Recon community, he was both Parachute and SCUBA qualified. He shared his Subject Matter Expertise in combat swimming and diving with literally hundreds of Marines and Sailor, often assisting with diver training at the Coronado Naval Base. Even after retiring from the Marine Corps, he was the Go To Man when it came to Reconnaissance and Special Operations. It was normal for professionals within those specialties, senior Enlisted and Officer alike, to say “Go Check With Top Keen To See What He Thinks.” That, in and of itself, speaks volumes of this Man and Marine!


Survivors include his wife, Sherrie Ann Keen; five children, Lawrence E. Keen, Jr., Sandra Bello (Eric), Kelly Ann Coffman, Vickie Fern Law, and Danielle Faye Keen; brother, William Keen (Barbara); and many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.


Memorial services with military honors will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Hardwick Memorial Chapel. Please sign Mr. Keen’s online guestbook at hardwickfuneralhome.com or call Hardwick Funeral Home at 843-756-7001 for further information.