Leon “Lonnie” Ray Key ended his struggle and passed away on September 13, 2021.
He was born on September 19, 1955, in Evansville, to Virginia (Curl) Key and Elvin Hollis Key of Folsomville.
He graduated from Boonville High School 1973, then completed his degree in Environmental Science at the University of Evansville. He married his high school sweetheart, Paula (Goodman) Key, on May 28, 1977. Their union produced two children, and 44 years of dedication, friendship, and love.
Leon was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. A man not given to verbosity, he instead poured out his love through his actions. Before his respiratory disease robbed him of his vitality, he spent countless hours of work making things for those he loved or giving of his time, most memorably spending an entire summer constructing a playground for his children that would rival any park. Many an evening was spent in playing catch and pitching for batting practice, and he took joy in serving as a coach in many athletic endeavors. His family took comfort in his deep well of love and support, and he will be greatly missed.
In his career, Leon worked with dedication managing water treatment facilities, retiring in April 2021 after serving the last 27 years with the Town of Newburgh. He was a meticulous scientist who strove to master the latest advancements in his field.
Leon is survived by his wife, Paula; children, Matthew (Taylor) Key of Knoxville, TN, and Katheryn (Adam) Bigge of Evansville; grandchildren, Easton, Molly, and Sutton Key and Xavier, Gabriel, Levi and Lilah Bigge; siblings, Elvin “Denny” (Mary Kay) Key, Randy Key, Rita (Evan) Waitman and Tina (Matt) Densley; and numerous nieces and nephews. His family expanded to include his “European kids”, foreign exchange students Helge (Claudia) Steinweg of Bonn, Germany, Lene (Thomas) Lund of Trondheim, Norway and Diana (Waldemar) Ermisch of Ulm, Germany.
Visitation will be held at Koehler Funeral Home in Boonville on Saturday, September 25, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., with a Memorial Service to follow at 1 p.m. A graveside service to follow at Hackelman Cemetery in Richland.
Friends unable to attend may send a condolence to the family at www.KoehlerFuneralHome.com.
