Obituary of Colonel Thomas Davis Key

Lt. Colonel Thomas “Butch” Davis Key, 72, passed away Monday, January 5, 2015. He is preceded in death by his parents, Davis and Billee Key; and brother, John Henry Key, sister in-law Charlene. Butch is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ginny Key, his two sons, Tom Key and wife Gaby and Jon Key, his grandchildren, Lorenzo and Malena Key, His sisters, Barbara Jean Maxey and husband Jeff, Mary Eisenberg and husband Larry, and a host of other family and friends. Butch grew up in Kilgore, Texas and graduated from Kilgore High School, where he was an All-District football player, before earning his BA in Political science and History at the University of Texas in Austin. He would later graduate from Troy State University where he received his MS in International Studies. Butch proudly served his country in the United States Army. He served as an officer and spent 14 years in active duty and 16 years in the Army Reserves in the 75th Maneuver Area Command. He retired as a Lt. Colonel. He took great pride in serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate). During his military career, Butch served two tours of combat in Vietnam, served as Commander at Fort Sam Houston and a Commanding Officer in Germany. Following his highly decorated military career, he was a Health, Safety and Environmental professional. Butch belonged to many professional organizations and was very involved in his church. He was a life-long Episcopalian, changing to the Reformed Episcopal Church for the last 25 years, and served in many different roles at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church. Butch will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Butch’s honor to St. Thomas of Canterbury Church or to the American Cancer Society. The funeral service for Butch will be held Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 1:00 pm at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church at 14007 South Freeway, Houston, Texas 77047 with Father James Payne officiating. Interment with military honors will take place Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 10:45 am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.