Baird-Freeman Funeral Home

221 North Meridian

Portland, Indiana 47371

260-726-7171

baird-freeman@yahoo.com

Charles Brian Keen, 56, of Portland passed away on Thursday July 16, 2026 at Ball Memorial Hospital following a sudden medical emergency.

Brian, as he was known to most, was born on February 1, 1970 to Charles "Stan" and Roberta "Sue" (Mills) Keen.  He married the love of his life, Staci (Gaskill) Keen on April 21, 1990 and together they raised three children.

Brian was a 1988 Jay County High School graduate.  He was the owner of Keen's Building and Remodeling, a business he proudly passed down to his oldest son after working alongside him for several years.

Brian enjoyed fishing and spending time in nature.  He spent countless hours on his land in Tennessee, where he was always hard at work chasing his dream of making it his permanent home.  His greatest joy in life was his grandchildren.  He cherished every moment he spent with them and loved being "papaw".

Brian will be remembered for his quick wit and ornery sense of humor.  He was kind, generous, hardworking and always willing to help anyone who needed him.  There wasn't anything he couldn't fix, and he was always working on a project.  Brian was a loving husband, father and papaw whose love, guidance and wisdom will be deeply missed.

Brian is survived by his wife, Staci (Gaskill) Keen, his daughter Mackenzie Keen (fiancé Wes Negele), his two sons Charles "Ritchie" Keen (wife Dezi) and Preston Keen (fiancé Melony Eley), his ten grandchildren Karter Negele, Kase Negele, Mac Negele, Charlie Negele, Paislee Keen, Charles "Camden" Keen, Laynie Keen, Owen Keen, Bentley Bogenschutz and Beau Keen, his father Charles "Stan" Keen (wife Judy), his sister Tracy Keen, his brother Matt Keen, along with many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Roberta "Sue" Keen in 2015.

Memorials services will be on Friday July24th at 12:00 Noon in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Keen presiding.  Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon.  Memorials can be made to 2nd Chance Ministries in Portland.

Online condolences can be made at www.bairdfreeman.com