Walter David Keys

Walter David Keys, 79, of Marshfield, Missouri, passed away on July 13, 2025, in Marshfield with his family by his side. Born on September 26, 1945, in Wright County, Missouri, Walter lived a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work.
He attended school in Norwood, Missouri, where he began building the foundation for a life marked by dedication and service. Walter proudly served his country in the United States Army and later applied that same sense of commitment to his professional life. He worked as a meat cutter at Safeway and later with Ozark Mountain Liquidators, where he was known for his reliability and strong work ethic.
On November 24, 1967, Walter married Linda Virginia (Reese) Keys. Their enduring partnership spanned nearly six decades and was blessed with a loving family. Together they raised their daughter, Tammy Keys-French, who along with her husband, Howard, brought great joy to Walter's life. He was a proud grandfather to Brittany and Tyler Bennington and Brett Greer and Diane Iosua. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: A'ona Naugle, Nolan Cole, Baby Tristan Bennington, Amais Rosales-Nunez, and Elio Rosales-Nunez.
Walter was deeply connected to his extended family. He is remembered fondly by his surviving siblings and their spouses: Julia and Bill Burchett; Darrel and Myrna Keys; sisters-in-law: Linda Keys, Vicki Keys, and Connie Keys. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who cherished his presence in their lives.
He was preceded in passing by his parents Leonard and Bessie (Shields) Keys; siblings and their spouses: Eldon and Bertha Mae Keys, Ray and Melva Jean Keys, Iva and Troy Hutson, Don and Sue Keys, Ed Keys, Dean Keys, Joe Keys, and Paul Keys.
A man of the Baptist faith, Walter found strength in his beliefs throughout his life. He enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought him closer to nature and those he loved-spending time at auctions hunting for treasures, tending to his garden with care, casting a line while fishing or heading into the woods for a hunt. Above all else, he treasured time spent with family.
Walter David Keys will be remembered for the steadfast love he gave to those around him and the quiet strength with which he lived each day. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, 2001 W Walnut Lawn St, Springfield, Missouri. A final salute will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 10:15 AM by the Warriors Watch Riders, then they will escort Walter to the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri, where full military honors will be rendered.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. – DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory, Springfield, Missouri.