John Morris Key, age 96, born March 5th, 1922, has passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Friday, June 29th, 2018 at 7:13 p.m., due to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). He was born in Summitville, Indiana and graduated from Summitville High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin where he was on the basketball team, and he graduated from General Motors Institute in Engineering. He received his officer’s commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1944. During World War II, John served as Lieutenant JG Engineering Officer aboard the troop transport ship, USS Admiral Coontz, in the South Pacific. He took great pride in his military service and never seemed to run out of stories from his time in the Navy. He owned and operated Owesen & Company, which was later sold to Anixter in 1969. He had a love for tennis and golf, making three holes-in-one in his career, and could be found on the tennis courts and later on the golf course at the country club daily. He was a member of a few carnival organizations and cherished his last Mardi Gras Day ride with his son and grandson. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and received a national service award "OTHERS" for his help with building the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). He enjoyed traveling with his family and has visited over 60 countries. He was a volunteer and charter member at the National World War II Museum. Anyone interested in his military service can view his interview with the museum on youtube.com (John Morris Key interview). He was instrumental in the building of Vista Shores Country Club and was its first president. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Alice Fuselier Key, one son, John Scott Key (Shelby Stumpf), one daughter, Peggy Ann Key, five grandchildren, Brandon Scott Key (Katie Baldwin), Brette Stumpf Key Campos (Fernando Campos), Collen Mitchell Key Zbrzeznj (Mark Zbrzeznj), Whitney Elizabeth Lynch Key, Westley Key Grace, six great-grandchildren, Miles, Sienna, Baldwin, John Hunter, Shelby, and Bernard Scott "Bear", and two sisters, Ethel Shultz and Mary Rogers. He was preceded by his parents, Elmer Francis and Margieree Weaver Key, sister Irene Dockrey, brother Elmer Francis Key, Jr., and lastly his son, Gary Jay Key.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at noon with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) in New Orleans. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's memory to the Salvation Army ARC, 200 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson, LA 70121.
To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
