Thomas Ray Keys

1945 - 2021

Thomas Ray Keys, 76, left his earthly home to be in his heavenly home Tuesday, December 28, 2021, in Washington Heath System Greene, Waynesburg.

Tom was born May 4, 1945, in Waynesburg, a son of the late Ralph and Julia Ruse Keys.

He was a 1964 graduate of Jefferson-Morgan High School. Upon graduating he enlisted in The United States Air Force and served for four years, earning the rank of sargent. Tom was stationed in the United States, Korea and Vietnam. He then enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he served several years. He attended Penn State Fayette Campus, where he obtained certifications in welding and electrical and later received a CDL license.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Carol Lynn Adamson, twice, first on June 18, 1966 and again on June 13, 1981.

He was a coal miner for 32 years, first at Gateway Coal Company in Lippencott, and then at Emerald Mine in Waynesburg, where he retired.

In addition to his wife, Carol, the love of his life, he is survived by his daughters, Kim (Walter) Fowler of Lowellville, Ohio, and Nicole (Dennis) Stout of Mt Morris. Tom was very proud Pappy to Carrie Travis, Alissa and Blaine Stout, and Gabriel Fowler. Also surviving are a brother, Lewis (Anne) Keys of Mather; many loving nephews and nieces; two sisters-in-law, Nancy (Harry) Keys of Williamsburg, Va., and Jerry (George) Keys of Little Rock, Ark.; and a host of other family and friends.

Tom enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting as long as his health allowed him. He also enjoyed sitting on his porch, making bird houses and porch swings for friends and family, and watching TV especially the Steelers and Jeopardy with his wife, Carol. He was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America and American Legion Post 954 of Jefferson, where he served as commander, vice commander, chaplain and historian. He was also a past member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Waynesburg and the Fredericktown Fire Department. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Lippencott, where he served over the years as trustee, deacon and choir member.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph Jr., George, Dave and Harry Keys; and sisters, Margaret "Peg" Lightner and Betty Philps, as well as two siblings in infancy.

In keeping with the CDC guidelines of wearing masks and social distancing, friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 4, in the Behm Funeral Home, 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, PA 15344, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 5, with the Rev. Nick Bardo officiating. Interment will follow in Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson. Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force and the Greene County Honor Guard.

Condolences may be expressed at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.