Donald Ray Key

Donald Ray Key, 87, of Fort Worth and Garner, Texas, passed away on November 10, 2024, after a long and fulfilling life.

Don was born on December 26, 1936, to Hiram and Bernice Key in Fort Reno, Oklahoma. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army and began his decades long military career and spent many years as a helicopter pilot, travelling and living abroad.

He married his devoted wife Arlene in 1980, and they raised their children Brian and Lisa. When Don finally decided to retire at the age of 80, he spent his time in Garner, tending to his goats, donkeys and other little animals. He spent time playing his banjo and walking the Mineral Wells trail and socializing with friends and wonderful neighbors. His days became a little noisier when he became a grandfather “Baba” to his seven grandchildren.

He is survived by wife Arlene, son Brian and his wife Rosie and their children Xander, Ariela and Isabella; his daughter Lisa Bunch and her husband Joshua, children Wyatt, Hattie, Emmett and Truett. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Eugene and sister Joan.

A private memorial service will be held on January 4, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the Baum Carlock Bumgardner Funeral Home in Mineral Wells, Texas.