Harley Keener is a Tennessee local who had crossed paths with Tony Stark when the latter broke into his garage, seeking shelter and food. Keener allied with Stark in his quest to uncover the enigmatic Extremis program, and prevent the series of associated terrorist attacks that plagued the United States. Despite being attacked by Eric Savin, Keener proved to be a useful ally, as he had tended to the Mark XLII Armor in Stark's absence and helped track down the Mandarin in Miami. Over the next years, Keener and Stark kept in touch, Stark becoming a father figure to Keener. Eleven years after he met him, Keener attended Stark's funeral after Stark sacrificed his life to defeat Thanos and his forces during the Battle of Earth.