To request a copy of this photo for your own personal use, please contact our state coordinator. If you are not a family member or the original photographer — please refrain from copying or distributing this photo to other websites.
Thank you for visiting the Arkansas Gravestone Photo Project. On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Arkansas, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this genealogy archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.
Submitted: 11/2/18 • Approved: 10/15/19 • Last Updated: 6/30/23 • R1243138-G0-S3
April 25, 1916 - November 24, 2010
*Obituary
Robert Harper Keys, Sr., 94, of El Dorado, passed away in November 24, 2010, at Timberlane Health and Rehabilitation.
A lifelong resident of El Dorado, he was born April 25, 1916, the son of George Francis Keys, Sr. and Frances Virginia Harper Keys.
After graduating from El Dorado High School, he worked for Monsanto Chemical until entering service in the U.S. Army in World War II. He served his country honorably as a member of the Second Infantry Division, during which time he was awarded the Purple Heart and Good Conduct medals. Following his return, he resumed his employment with Monsanto through 1954. In 1956, he was elected to the office of Union County Collector, serving in this capacity until his retirement in 1988. Following his retirement, he worked part-time at Perry's Funeral Home and Young's Funeral Directors.
A lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he served in various capacities, including both local and state commander, local and district quartermaster, state senior vice commander, sergeant at arms, inspector, and chief of staff. On the national level, he was appointed deputy inspector, deputy chief of staff, aide to the national commander in chief, and director of the VFW National Home for Children. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church, the Theater Man's Bible Class, The American Legion, the Golden K Kiwanis Club, and a former board member of the United Way.
Mr. Keys was an avid Razorbacks fan and supporter. One if his biggest joys was the time spent at Razorbacks football games with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren over a span of sixty years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Janie Christine Keys, an infant son; a grandson, Scott Edwards Keys; and a brother, George Francis Keys, Jr.(Evelyn).
Survivors include a daughter, Carolyn Griffin(Bryan); two sons, Robert H. Keys, Jr.(Barbara) and William E. Keys(Lisa); six grandchildren, Michael Griffin, Rob H. Keys(Julie), Ashlee Griffin Davis(Larry), Bradford G. Keys, Allen E. Keys(Shannon), and Crystal Brumley; a great grandson, Dustin Davis; three granddaughters, Maya E. Keys, Lindsey Keys, and Lacey Keys. He is also survived by two nephews, George F. Keys, III(Kathy) and Robert L. Keys(Marilyn), a niece Virginia Keys Hughes(Gordon), several cousins and many friends.
A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of El Dorado, with the Reverend Ben Early officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in El Dorado under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors.
Visitation with the family will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Young's Funeral Home.
Contributed on 11/2/18 by debbraszymanski
Email This Contributor
Suggest a Correction
Record #: 1243138