John Marshall Keen

John Marshall Keen, age 65, a beloved husband, father, son, and community leader, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. Born on January 20, 1961, in Macon, Georgia, John devoted his life to God, family, career, and community.

A lifelong learner and advocate for education, John obtained a Double Major in Biology and History from Hillsdale College in Michigan. He found his professional calling in banking, where he began as a manager at Regions Bank in Washington, GA, before advancing to the position of Vice President at F&M Bank, where he diligently served his community with commitment and integrity.

John’s service extended far beyond his professional endeavors. He was the Church Board Chairman at Washington First Methodist Church, a role reflecting his deep faith and commitment to his congregation. He also served as Vice-President of the Hospital Authority of Wilkes County and was an active member of the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating his deep care for his community and its development. John was an Eagle Scout, an accomplishment that exemplified his dedication to leadership and service from an early age. John was a faithful volunteer with God's Marketplace in Washington.

John is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Rhonda Chafin Keen, who was his steadfast partner and confidant. He is also survived by his father, Marshall Fulton Keen, who instilled in him the values of diligence and wisdom. His cherished children, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Meriwether Keen and her fiancé, Kelby Burton, and Jarrett Fulton Keen and his wife Heather, were the pride of his life. His legacy is further carried on by his siblings, Larry Keen (Kathy), Cindy Maxwell (Ronn), and Margaret Grubb (Matt), as well as his adored grandchildren, Fallon Keen and Penelope Burton.

John’s extended family includes his brother-in-law, David Chafin (Karen), mother-in-law, Elizabeth Chafin, and numerous nieces and nephews: Grant Chafin, Miles Chafin, Chase Chafin, Caitlin Keen, Larry Keen, Margaret Feldman, Keli Grubb, Marshall Grubb, and Stephen Grubb. John was predeceased by his mother, Gudrun Jona Thorkelsdottir Keen, whose love and guidance profoundly shaped his life, and his father-in-law, Malcolm Chafin, who warmly welcomed him to Washington and helped lay the foundation for his community impact.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM at Washington First Methodist Church. The service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Doug Parsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Washington First Methodist Church, P.O. Box 518, Washington, GA 30673 or go to www.washingtonfirstmc.org and go to GIVE and click on Memorials - John Keen.

John Marshall Keen’s life was an embodiment of commitment and love, and his legacy will continue to inspire the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by family, friends, and the Washington, GA community he served with passion and dedication.

Hopkins Funeral Home in Washington, Georgia is honored to be entrusted with arrangements for the Keen family.