Individual Details

Death

Gene Keys, age 79 of Childress, passed away on August 15, 2016 in Lubbock. Funeral services will be at 10 AM on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at First Baptist Church with Kerry Wood officiating and assisted by Mark Keys. Burial will follow in Childress Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016 from 7 to 8 PM at Johnson Funeral Home. Gene was born on May 15, 1937 in Childress to Earl M. and Mary Maude (Furr) Keys. He was a hard worker, and taught his children to find value in doing what they love and giving 100 percent. Outgoing and friendly, Gene had a love for coaching Little League baseball and giving the kids pointers, and could often be found at the field if he wasn’t home. An avid Texas Rangers fan, he loved watching baseball, reading and working in his yard. In later years, he learned to play piano, which worked well with his passion for music and singing. He was a Christian man, and a member of First Baptist Church where he was a choir member. Above all else, Gene loved his family and took great pride in their accomplishments, enjoying spending time with them whenever he could. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Winnie (Bell) Keys; three sisters Betty Jo Hoos, Cleta Ann Peterson and Shirley Williams; and two brothers Earl Keys Jr. and Gerald Don Keys. Survivors include son Stevan Keys and wife, Kim of Sundown; daughter Misty Willis and husband, Justin of Childress; son Brady Keys and wife, Amanda of Lubbock; four brothers, J.C. Keys and wife, Dollie of Childress, Neil Keys of Austin, Jerry Keys and wife, Linda of Austin, and Larry Dale Keys and wife, Sharlynn of Sunset; grandchildren Tanner Gilliam, Tristan Gilliam, Lynzee Keys, Austin Keys, Spencer Keys, Graham Keys, Colt Keys and Jaydan Willis; three great-granddaughters, Brooklyn Criswell, Hailey Thomas, and Remy Thomas; and numerous extended family and friends. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Childress Public Library.