Obituaries

Jewel Richard 'J.R.' Key, 87, of Sherman, went to his heavenly home on October 3, 2015. Family visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 8th, at Dannel Funeral Home in Sherman. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 9th, in Dannel Funeral Chapel. Jon Smith and Max Lash, of Woods Street Church of Christ, will officiate. Interment will follow in Vittitoe Cemetery immediately afterward. Jewel was born on May 3, 1928, to Marion Richard and Maggie Enochs Key, in Ida, TX. He attended school in Denison, TX. He married Glenda Lumpkin on May 23, 1953, in Ashdown, Arkansas. He and Glenda were devoted to each other for 62 years. Jewel worked in fiberglass manufacturing and was employed at McDermott in Dallas until his retirement. Sometime in the 1970's, he is credited with saving local mascot Billy Bob Bearcat's tail, with his repairing skill. Jewel was a member of the Woods Street Church of Christ. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed playing pinochle, dominos, SkipBo and washers, with family and friends. He was an avid gardener and he loved to fish. He enjoyed traveling, and camping, and was fortunate enough to take several wonderful trips. He loved watching the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, women's softball and basketball. He also loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Jewel loved barbecue and homemade ice cream, especially banana. He will be remembered as the best husband, father, and grandfather, always putting his family first. He will be sorely missed. Jewel was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Maggie Key; sisters: Neva Wilson and Dixie Rodgers; brother, Jack Key; and several nieces and nephews. Survivors include his loving wife, Glenda; daughters: Ralene Lewis and husband Danny, of Denison, Rita Key and partner Linda Surratt, of Tom Bean; sons: Richard Key and wife Saundra, of Austin, and Russell Key, of Frisco; grandchildren: Lori Roberson and husband Steve, Jared Ramsey, Haley Blevins and husband Westley, Raquel Key, Julia Key, Cody Key, Chase Lewis; great-grandchildren: LCpl Austin Howell, Courtney Howell, Tanner Holt, Dylan Roberson, Gracee Roberson and Presley Jewel Blevins; and several nieces and nephews. Serving as pallbearers are: Jared Ramsey, Cody Key, Tanner Holt, Rin Key, Barry Key and Corey Wofford. Honorary bearers are LCpl Austin Howell and Charlie Sizemore. The family would like to offer a special note of thanks to Esther, Jennifer, Stephanie, Teresa, Pam, Cindy, Tina, Dr.Ted Truly and Dr. Sundaram, Jr. - as well as the entire staff of the Memory Care Unit at The Terrace of Denison, and Guardian Hospice - for the loving care they each provided Jewel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association at 3001 Knox St. in Dallas, TX 75205, or online at www.alz.org