Richard Keys, Sr.

Obituary For Richard Keys, Sr.

Richard Leroy Keys, Sr., “Dickie”, 88, of Harrisburg, transitioned into eternal life on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at the Middletown Home.

He was born in Steelton, son of the late James Albert Keys, Sr. and Elizabeth (Brown) Keys, attended the Hygienic Elementary School, Steelton High School and Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C.

He served in the U. S. Navy as Chief Petty Officer serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. After retiring from the Navy, he was an employee of Nationwide Insurance Co. for 24 years from where he retired as District Claims Manager.

Richard was a member of the From The Heart Church Ministries of Harrisburg, where he served on the Men’s Choir and the Security Ministry. He loved his church and his church family and truly loved his children, grandchildren, sister, brother and all of his cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. Most of all, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, James Gilbert Keys, Jr. and his son, Craig “C.S.” Keys. He leaves to mourn and to celebrate his life; his wife of 49 years, Eleanor A.(Hurst) Keys; his five sons: Richard L. (Debra) of Lafayette, IN; James R. (Sheila) of New Kensington, PA; Tracy Eugene (Jenny) of Las Vegas, NV; Steven (Vicki) of Charlotte, NC and Eric Leroy (Natasha) of Tucson, AZ; his two daughters, Deborah Jackson of Harrisburg and Stephanie M. Keys of Exton, PA; his sister, Elizabeth Keys Williams of Harrisburg, his brother, Albert Sinclair Keys (Dolores) of West Palm Beach, FL; his 34 grandchildren, 43 great-grands; three sisters-in-law, Mary Alice Chivis Keys, Catherine Hurst Finley and Audrey Hurst Splawn; his daughter-in-love, Marie “Peggy” Chivis (Ronnie), all of Harrisburg and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His life will be celebrated on Friday, June 19th at 12 Noon in the Chapel of Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with viewing 10:30 a.m.

Until 12 Noon and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Covid 19 guidelines will be observed with masks and six foot distancing for all attendees.

Memorial contributions in memory of Richard can be made to his church, From the Heart Church Ministries of Harrisburg, 1300 Wayne St., Harrisburg, PA.