Reverend Troy Edgar Key

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Troy was the only child of Noble and Sametta Key. Upon graduating high school, he would attend Georgetown College in Kentucky, where he majored in Music. It was there he met the love of his life, Roseanne Stevens, and the two were married on June 1, 1968.

After graduating from Southwestern Seminary and being ordained into the ministry, he began his career at First Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, Illinois, where he and Roseanne welcomed their first son, Steven in 1971. After a year there, the couple would move to Savannah, Georgia, where Troy would begin a 15-year stay as Minister of Education and Administration at the historic Calvary Baptist Temple. It was here in 1975, that their second son, Jonathan was born.

Upon leaving Calvary, time would be spent at several different churches in different cities doing interim pastoring, education, music and service. After over 40 years, Brother Troy would finally hang up the ministerial robes and move to Katy, Texas, where he spent the remaining years of his life. Known as Troy to Roseanne, Dad to Steven and Jonathan, and Brother Troy to so many during his years of ministry, he was more affectionately known later in life as Papa D, mostly to his five granddaughters, but also to the entire family.

He lived a life of service to the Lord. Never a day went by where he wasn’t being a witness to someone, teaching, preaching or giving guidance. It was once said that Brother Troy could shake every hand in the congregation before a church service, and would know what was going on with each and every person. And whether it was an extra few hours a week of coaching intramural basketball, the community M&M’s jar on his desk, conducting the living Christmas trees, and so much more, he left his mark on many a church and many a person during his time of ministry.

He touched many during his life, and pretty much anyone could always count on a handwritten letter on yellow legal pad paper when they most needed it, be it advice, counseling or just a loving hug on paper.

His love for Jesus was first and foremost, but a close second was his family. A devoted husband to Roseanne, he was the biggest fan of his sons, and he treated his son's wives as if they were his own daughters. Watching his granddaughters grow from small children into strong Christian young ladies gave him the utmost joy over the past 21 years. While we know that his time on earth is now finished, we know that his life has really just begun. He is now free from the pain and suffering that beleaguered him during his later years, finally at peace, walking with the joy and life abundant that he wanted everyone to know while he was here.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his first granddaughter, Emma Claire Key. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Roseanne; sons, Steven Key (Sherry) and Dr. Jonathan Key (Julie) and grand-daughters, Stevens Elise, Cadence Grace, Eiley Rowan and Medley Amelia; brother-in-law, Dale Stevens (Jan), niece, Michelle and nephews, Jared and Ryan.

Per his wishes, no public services will be held. In his honor, we would ask that you consider giving to one of the ministries he held most dear, the International Mission Board and the Lottie Moon Christmas Fund, which serves as a financial aid to our missionaries and their families as they serve the Lord around the globe.

Fond memories and kind expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.katyfh.com for the Key family.