Dates
David P. Key Jr., 94, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 13, 2016 in Robert Lee, Texas.
David was born October 21, 1921 to D.P. and Jessie Shropshire Key in the small community of Punkin Town, near Edith, west of Robert Lee, in Coke County, Texas. He was the baby of the family with his two older sisters, Wilma and Vernie, who liked to spoil him.
David graduated from Robert Lee High School in 1938. He worked different jobs from being a hamburger cook to helping his dad in the livestock trucking business until joining the US Armed Forces. David proudly served his country during World War II from 1942 to 1946. In 1946 he returned to Robert Lee and opened a feed store. On September 6, 1947, he married Alene Gaines. They were blessed with a son, Joe David and a daughter, DeeAnna. Another great joy of his life was his grandchildren, Jason and Jessica.
David was a hard worker, loading many a sack of feed for forty years, when he "retired" from the feed store in 1986. His son had joined him in the feed business in 1974 and David continued to help out for several more years even after "retirement". He also loved ranching and feeding the cows. In later years, when he no longer was able to ranch, he enjoyed his chickens and fresh eggs, gardening and his flowers. He had his mother's green thumb and liked sharing the vegetables with his family and friends.
Growing up, his family was active in the Northside Church of Christ in Robert Lee. In later years, he became an active member of Robert Lee Baptist Church. He served many years as a deacon there until his health would no longer permit it.
He is survived by his son, Joe David and wife Teri; daughter, DeeAnna Harmon and husband Joe; grandson, Jason David Key and fiancé, Kate Zora; granddaughter, Jessica Key Kolasa and husband Doren; and great-grandchildren, Jaren, McKinley and Creed Kolasa and Kye Scott Kolasa due to arrive later this month; brother-in-law, Jess Gaines and wife Dorothy; sister-in-law, Rena Gaines; and many dear nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alene Gaines Key (by 2 days); his parents; sisters, Wilma Shelburne and Vernie Smith.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the West Coke County EMS, and Robert Lee Care Center for their loving care and also to Dr. Shaik, Dr. Mull and PA Burrage and the entire staff on five South at Shannon Medical Center for the wonderful care they have provided to him over the last eight days.
Visitation will be held all day Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the funeral home with family present 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 10:00 am at Robert Lee Baptist Church in Robert Lee, Texas, with burial in Paint Creek Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home/Sherwood Way.
Memorials can be made to the West Coke County EMS, Robert Lee Volunteer Fire Department, Robert Lee Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.
Pallbearers will be nephews with honorary pallbearers, Wes Washam, Jimmie Byrne, Charlie Yorke, Gary Sam Williams, John Jacobs, Jay Lyn Service, George Grim, Gene Montgomery, Foy Askins and Tommy Hood.