Walter Alvin Keyes

Walter A. Keyes, age 85, of Vassar, Michigan, passed away on 3 September 2021 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by family and Pastor Pechman. He left the World to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ and his grandson Zachary Morris.

Walter Alvin Keyes was born on 25 December 1935, in Gilford, Michigan to Thelma and Byron Keyes. He attended Fairgrove Schools and served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1962. Then in 1959, Walter Keyes married Sandra Petty and were married for 62 years and had three children: Scott Keyes, Lori Morris, and Steven Keyes. Walter and Sandy lived in Vassar most of their lives and we’re very active with fundraising for the community library and theater. He was a Volunteer Firefighter in Vassar for 17 years and worked for General Motors at Steering Gear as a Supervisor Machinist for 30 years and retired. He was an Elder, and Usher at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Vassar, Michigan for 40 years and loved to serve the Lord and his Church. He loved his family, grandkids and great grandkids so much that he would pray for over 4 hours a night to make sure everyone was being protected by the Lord.

Walter was known by many for his vast collection of hats. You could see him riding around town in his famous Turtle hat that he absolutely loved so much. Walter also carried a pocket full of cinnamon candies or mints and would pass candy out to all the kids and people he knew to put a smile on everyone’s face. Walter always knew how to make an impact on everyone’s life he met and left a lasting memory that will never be forgotten.

Walter A. Keyes leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Sandra Keyes; his children are Scott Keyes (Karen Keyes), Lori Morris, and Steven Keyes (Becky Keyes). Special friends; Jennifer Kuehn, Roger Cowan, Chris and Cindy Lane and Elizabeth, Ed and April Newsome. Grandkids; Kristin Phillips (Tom Phillips), Erin Mawhorter (Tim Mawhorter), Randi Devine (Brian Devine), Kelsey Richards (Shawn Richards), Robyn Keyes, Kerry Keyes, Lindsey Green, Lance Flores (Jennifer Flores), Emily Martinez (Julian Martinez), Sarah, Josh, Hannah, Mariah Keyes. Great grandchildren: Noah, Savannah and Charlotte, Kayleigh, Mikayla and Mother Jenna, Aubrey, Ethan, Owen, Isla, Liam, Cillian, Oliver, and many good friends. Walter was preceded in death by his grandson, Zachary Morris, and parents, Thelma, Byron Keyes and great-granddaughter, Susie.

A memorial service will take place Monday, October 11, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Vassar, Michigan. Visitation will begin two hours prior to the service. Committal service will follow memorial service. 

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to: St Luke’s Lutheran Church in Vassar, Michigan or Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Pooler, Georgia in memory of Walter A. Keyes. 

Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

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