Leo Keys, Jr.

1934 - 2015

Leo was born May 18, 1934 in Pittsburgh, PA.  He was the only survivor of 11 children born to Leo Keys, Sr. and Marie West Keys. He graduated from Oliver High School in 1953 and attended Mount Union College in Ohio for several years prior to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force on March 24, 1955. He was honorably discharged as A/2C on January 23, 1959 in Denver, CO. Leo met Ola Mae Sabala in Denver and they married in 1958. Their family was completed with the births of Mark Alan, Michelle Renee, and David Leo. In 1999 Leo met Margaret Mary Molling at St. Ignatius Loyola and they were married there on August 15, 2003. From this sacramental union he gained a second family of 5 daughters: Tonia Molling, Teena Bennett, Jackie Boyer, Lynn Marsh and Katie Gamlen. Leo retired from the Xerox Corporation in 1994 after 25 years with the company. He formed many friendships at Xerox, most notably, his 46-year friendship with Ray Gutkowski. Leo was a long-time parishioner of St. Ignatius Loyola, Denver, CO and was a member of the Men’s Club, served as an Usher and Eucharistic Minister. The past 12 years he attended St. Joan of Arc, Arvada, CO while still maintaining his friendships and occasional attendance at Loyola. New friendships were formed at St. Joan of Arc where he also served as a Eucharistic Minister. Leo was referred to by Katie’s husband, Wally, as “a man of God” and he showed this throughout his life. During his younger years he was a drummer in several local bands and played in various locations throughout the Denver area. He was a life-long fan of jazz and music in general. His favorite holiday was Christmas and was known in his neighborhoods for his love of extensive decorating. This passion for decorating also was shown on other holidays such as Halloween. Leo was preceded in death by his first wife, Ola Mae Keys, his parents and 10 siblings. He is survived by his wife Margaret Mary Molling, sons Mark and David, daughter Michelle, and his extended family of daughters Tonia, Teena, Jackie, Lynn, and Katie. Also surviving are grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and numerous friends.