GOSHEN — Nelson Keyes, 96, died Wednesday at 9:20 a.m. at the Maples, Goshen.
He was born to George and Iva Keyes May 20, 1915, in Jackson, Mich. He graduated from Hillsdale High School, Hillsdale, Mich., and attended Michigan State University to become a quality control manager. He worked at milk plants in Hillsdale, Coldwater and Morenci, Mich., and Butler and Berne, Ind. He worked as production manager at Dairy Farm Milk Products in Goshen until his retirement in 2007.
He was an Eagle Scout and served in World War II as a sergeant in the Southwest Pacific area.
Nelson was married to “Shotgun” Keyes in Berne, Oct. 23, 1955, by the late Rev. C.A. Schmid.
The Keyes joined First United Church of Christ Feb. 25, 1962, while the Rev. Gerald Cobb was the pastor. They are active members, served on many committees and ushered at church. They did volunteer work for many things, including for Meals on Wheels for nine years and the Wagon Wheel Playhouse in Warsaw.
Nelson and Shotgun love drag racing and went with their son to races in Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Illinois and Indianapolis.
Nelson loved to fish, taking Rockey and Olivia fishing with him. Later in life he went with his friend “Charlie” Smith. They would fish all day long, especially on their birthdays. His other hobbies were woodworking, carving and scrolling items for gifts and sale.
Mr. Keys is survived by his wife and daughter, Olivia; a sister, Electa Glowe; and many nieces and nephews, who loved their Uncle “Nellie.”
He was preceded in death by a son, Rockey, who was killed in a drag-racing accident Aug. 5, 2006, in Houston, Texas
The family will greet guests one hour before the funeral service Saturday at noon at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Goshen. The Rev. J.R. Bertsch, Three Oaks, Mich., cousin of Shotgun, and the Rev. Carl Adams, Goshen, will officiate.
Private burial will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Mich., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to Crossroad Child and Family Services, 2525 Lake View Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46805-5407 or to the First United Church of Christ, 110 S. Fifth St., Goshen.
Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, is assisting with arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.rrefh.com.
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Nelson Keyes
February 3, 2012
Nelson Keyes
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