Carl Eugene Key

Carl Eugene Key, son of the late Richard “Dick” and Alice (Robertson) Key, was born on February 22, 1935 in Manes, Missouri and departed this life on June 10, 2013 in the Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri following a short illness. He was 78 years, 3 months, and 19 days of age.
Carl grew up in the Manes community. He had a great joy of playing baseball as a youngster. He attended the Perkins School and was a graduate of the Mtn. Grove High School class of 1953. He later joined the Army and proudly served his country in active duty from 1957 to 1959 and was honorably discharged with rank of SP4 on June 30, 1963. Following his service, Carl went to work for a janitorial company then known as the White Castle Company. Carl was eventually promoted to office of Vice President of the company. He enjoyed travelling to various cities while working for the White Castle Company.
Carl was united in marriage to Carlene Dowden on December 2, 1960. Two children were born to this union. They purchased a farm near Manes in 1967. Carl operated a dairy for over 25 years on this farm and then raised beef cattle for the remainder of his life. Carlene passed away on February 24, 1986.
Carl was a very kind and friendly gentleman. He took great pride in his family. He had a very generous spirit and a good sense of humor and was also a very good neighbor. Carl enjoyed gathering with family and friends. He hosted numerous music parties and fish fries over the years. He loved bluegrass and old country music. In fact, he taught himself how to play the fiddle and was quite accomplished at it. Carl also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening and sharing his produce. Carl had accepted the Lord as his personal Savior in 1986.
Besides his wife and parents, Carl was preceded in death by two infant siblings; one brother: J.B. Key; four sisters: Pansie Stigall, Mary “Verlee” McCoy, Dorothy Bradshaw, and June Ogle.
He is survived by two daughters: Carolyn Roth and husband, Jeff, of Springfield, Missouri and Barbara Highfill and husband, Ken, of Topeka, Kansas; one step-granddaughter: Jennifer Roth; one step-great-grandson: Jeylon Richards; nephews; nieces; great-nephews; great-nieces; and a host of relatives and friends that will greatly miss him.

Memorial Contributions:
Green Valley Cemetery Fund or American Cancer Society c/o the funeral home.