Robert L Keys

Robert Lee Keys (Bob) age 81 peacefully passed away on March 13th, 2025 at his home in Waxahachie, TX surrounded by love and family. He courageously battled melanoma until the Lord called him home. He will be laid to rest in eternal honor & peace at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on April 1st, 2025.

Bob was born on June 10th, 1943 in Taft, CA to Roy L. Keys and Arline A. "Jackie" Keys. He was the second of five sons. From childhood, our dear Bob loved life; he laughed, cried & embraced every challenge with confidence & hope. In 1963, Bob enlisted in the US Navy & served during the Vietnam War as a Boilerman on the USS Mahan until 1965. He remained in the Naval reserves until 1967.

Bob married his first love, Beverly Thompson on January 2nd, 1966. They moved to Tucumcari in December 1969 & began farming 200 acres southeast of town. They have two sons, Robert Lee II (Bob) & Frank Thomas. After many struggles & a lot of hard work, they went their separate ways.

He worked as a welder building bridges in southeast NM & drove trucks for Yellow Freight/YRC for nearly 40 years, logging over 4 million miles.

He met the second love of his life, Cherlene Marcelle "Marcy"Wright in 1983 & were married on June 21st, 1986. They have two children, Randy William and Sarah Rebecca.

He was a craftsman & master of mechanics, welding, construction & science. He loved boating / skiing at Conchas & Ute lakes, farming & hunting, but most of all he loved his dear wife & family with all his heart. He was a devoted, caring & loving mentor to all he loved. Bob was the quiet bedrock of our family; slow to anger with enlightening guidance to all. He provided for every need with a lifetime of sacrifice, patience, joy, encouragement & love. Truly, Bob was a man of character, great talent & wisdom. We are so blessed to have had him as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle & brother.

Bob was met with open arms in Heaven by his parents, Roy & Jackie & his brothers, Bill & Charles. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Marcy of Waxahachi; his children, Bob of Fernley, NV, Frank of Roswell, NM, Randy & Sarah of Waxahachi, TX; his brothers, Randy & Kevin of Taft, CA & numerous nieces, nephews & grandchildren. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. His wings were ready, but our hearts were not. Until we meet again. Rest well, sweet Bob.