Keith Arthur Carlen

Keith Arthur Carlen passed away on Wednesday, January 9th at the age of 75 years. He was born in Eagle Rock, CA and lived for years with his parents and sister in Madera, CA, where he played football as a star fullback at Madera High. He graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. He served in the U.S. Army and later became, at that time, the youngest Road Commissioner in the state of California. Along with his family and friends, Keith loved football, the out-of-doors, reading, fishing, and his dogs. He will be remembered for the lessons he taught us, for his honesty, his courage, and his sense of humor, even during recent years of illness. Keith is survived by his daughters, Robin Carlen-Murray and Laurel Carlen-Rowe; by three grandchildren, Taran, A.J. and Tori Rowe; and by Rina, his lifelong friend. He is also survived by numerous other family members. A special thank you to those nurses, aides, and staff at Mabie Southside Skilled Nursing Center who helped care for, were kind, and made such a difference in the last year of Keith’s life. A private service for family and friends will be held at a later date.