Obituary of Edward KEYS

Edward Keys Born March 3, 1921 Died April 7, 2011On April 7, 2011 Edward Vincent Keys passed into heaven peacefully to be with the Lord.He was born in La Salle, Illinois on March 3, 1921 the son of Vincent and Elizabeth Keys. Edward moved with his family at an early age to Alhambra, California where he grew up.Edward honorably served his country in North Africa during World War II as a flight engineer on a B17 Flying Fortress.He married his true love Betty and together raised three children. Family was always his highest priority and he made growing up a precious and unforgettable experience for everyone he touched. He personally enjoyed many outdoor activities including camping, shooting, boating, fishing, and hunting. For 38 years he worked for Pacific Bell in the El Monte, CA area and in Pacific Beach, CA. He retired in 1972 where he began a new chapter of his life. He and Betty traveled in their motor home enjoying their grandchildren and many friends while experiencing and visiting numerous places in the Southwest. After years of visiting Lake Havasu City, he and Betty made it their permanent home in the early 1990's.For all those who were fortunate to know Ed, they will always remember his love of family, his high ethical and moral standards, and his infectious sense of humor. He loved life and was a participant and not a spectator. There was never a challenge he was not afraid to tackle.He was preceded in death by his wife and soul mate of 57 years Betty, his daughter Carol Kelly, and his younger brother Bill.Ed is survived by his son Michael Keys of Lake Havasu City, AZ; daughter Kathy Vitale of Palm Desert, CA; brother James Keys of Encinitas, CA; sister Lillian Hair of Oceanside, CA; granddaughters Sidra and Sheila and three great grandchildren Curtis, Shyara, and Michael Jr.Services will be at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Havasu City on Saturday April 16, 2011 at 11:00AMIn lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the River Cities United Way in the name of Edward Keys.Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.