Kevin "KJ" Keen, Jr.

March 4, 1992 — June 18, 2025

Celebration of Life

Kevin “KJ” Keen, Jr.

March 4, 1992 – June 18, 2025

Kevin “KJ” Keen, Jr. was born on March 4, 1992, in the Fern Park area of Orlando, Florida. At just 4 years old, he was diagnosed with juvenile-onset diabetes—a challenge he faced with unwavering strength and resilience, never allowing it to define him.

KJ spent his early years between Orlando and Los Angeles before returning to Florida, where he graduated from University High School in 2010. His love for Asian cuisine led him to pursue a culinary path, becoming a talented chef and a beloved team member at Wild Ginger Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio.

Long before graduation, KJ met the love of his life, Ambar Risex Lee. Together, they built a life in Columbus, OH, raising their two beautiful daughters, Kylee and Kendall. Columbus remained their home until KJ’s passing on June 18, 2025, at the age of 33.

KJ had a deep appreciation for the fine arts—music, television, and live performance—and used his creative spirit to raise awareness about juvenile diabetes through his volunteer work with the American Diabetes Association.

Those who knew KJ will forever remember his exuberant energy, spiritual curiosity, and kind heart. A seeker at heart, he embraced both Western and Eastern philosophies, incorporating yoga, meditation, and fitness into his daily life.

KJ’s presence brought light and joy wherever he went. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, and father. He is survived by his soulmate, Ambar Risex Lee Fontanez; daughters, Kylee and Kendall; mother, Lourdes Cordero; step-father, Zachary Babione; father, Kevin Keen, Sr.; brother, Geoffrey Ramirez; step-sister, Nia Babione; grandmother, Maria Gonzalez, step-grandmother, Jeanette Babione, and numerous uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces.

A celebration of KJ’s life will be held on

Tuesday, June 24th at 6:00 PM

ISKCON Columbus

379 W. 8th Ave. Columbus, OH 43201

A second celebration in Orlando will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to either:

The American Diabetes Association: https://diy-diabetes.donordrive.com/campaign/KJ

Or ISKCON Columbus: https://www.iskconcolumbus.com/donate

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kevin "KJ" Keen, Jr., please visit our flower store.

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Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Celebration of Life

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Starts at 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

ISKCON Columbus

379 West 8th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201

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Kevin "KJ" Keen, Jr.

March 4, 1992 — June 18, 2025

Service Schedule

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Celebration of Life

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