Johnny Ernest Key – Mulkeytown, IL

On Oct. 26, 1941, he married Alice Fay Drysdale, of Christopher, and was soon after hired by the Illinois Central Railroad. His family life was soon interrupted by World War II when he joined the Army.

In 1987, Johnny retired, after 43 years with the railroad.

In 1947, Johnny was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the following years, he evolved into a man committed to being a follower of Jesus. He became a modern-day disciple, an example of what the Apostle Paul meant, when he wrote, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”Col. 3:16. A soft-spoken, gentle man, he became a prominent figure in the church in Southern Illinois and held numerous positions of trust and leadership. He and Fay served a full-time mission together, in the Roanoke, Virginia Mission, and then served in the Chicago and St. Louis Temples.

Johnny was married to the love of his life, Alice Fay Drysdale Key, for 75 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eli Jackson Key and Susan Marie Laws; and brothers, Harvey Clifford Meadows and James Ralph Meadows.

Left, with many good memories, are wife, Alice Fay Key; daughter, Brenda Fay Key Rauback and husband, Fred, of St. Peters, Missouri; daughter, Becky Susan Key Hart and husband, Mark, of Mount Vernon; son, Johnny LaVar Key and wife, Cindy, of St. Peters, Missouri; daughter Rue Launa Key Webb and husband, Vernon, of Benton; daughter Lorri Latona Key, of Kearney, Missouri; son, Derek LaRon Key and wife, Michelle, of Marion; sister, Freda Pauline Meadows Issler, of Herrin; in addition to 26 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov 5, 2016, in Church of Latter-day Saints at 17947 N. Highway 37 in Johnston City, with Bishop Randy Balmforth, officiating. Graveside services with military rites will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, in Mulkeytown Cemetery.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements.