Claude Dean Key, a resident of Fayetteville, AR passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at the age of 67. He was born to Claude Loran Key and Birma Veatress Morgan on March 30, 1956 in DeQueen, AR.
Claude spent most of his life in the construction industry, running heavy equipment and helped build many of the major highways from the tunnel to Bella Vista. Claude, alongside his wife Sherry, ran the Red Door in Tontitown for over 19 years. You could find him there greeting customers and spreading cheer all around. Claude loved spending time with friends and family and loved to hunt arrowheads. He and Sherry have spent years building their collection and have many prized pieces.
Claude had a superpower of being able to relax anyone around him. He summoned this power from his back porch where he spent time with everyone that he adored and that adored him back. He had a fun-loving, peaceful nature. No beverage will be consumed, nor Domino laid without a nod to God on his behalf. He loved his wife Sherry like no other, his kids and grandkids, as well as anyone else lucky enough to spend time with him. We all feel very lucky to have been loved by this wonderful man.
Claude is preceded in death by his mother and father, two siblings, James Key and Reanie Davis and son-in-law, James Neill.
Claude is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sherry Key; son, Cass Key and wife Ashley, daughter Casey Neill; three grandchildren Tyler Mileham, Kendal Key, Cooper Key, Daniel Neill and wife Jennifer Neill and Matthew Neill; great-grandson James Daniel Neill; and brothers, Jerry Key and wife Mary and David Key and wife Mary.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Dowell Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel with Brother Eric Howerton officiating.
The family will receive guests for a potluck after the graveside service at their home at 888 N Cato Springs Road, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
Pallbearers will be Cass Key, Tyler Mileham, Miles Jackson, Wayne Stephens, Timmy Napier and Curtis Thompson.
A celebration of life for Claude is scheduled for July 23, 2023 from 2-6PM at Art’s Place in Fayetteville.
Sherry, I am heartbroken for you. Claude Dean was the entertainer when we were growing up. Always making us laugh. No doubt Heaven will
be more fun with him there. I know he’ll be waiting on the other side of the Jordan for you to spend eternity with him. May God comfort you, your children and your grandchildren. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. I love you.
He was my first cousin and we all grew up around each other. He was always laughing and smiling. I was in the 7th grade and I believe he was maybe a sophomore and we shared study hall with him and his friends. We ALL had crushes on them. Once they brought gun powder and set it off on a table. We all got in trouble because us girls loved it. Pretty sure the boys got a paddling. He found a baby deer that the momma got killed. He babied that deer and I loved going to see that baby with him. He will be missed. So thankful we were both able to make it to the family reunion last year.
YOLO Claude lived one to brag about
Sorry for your loss
Sherry I am so sorry to hear of your family’s loss, Claude was a great guy & loved by many. I had just heard of his passing, I hadn’t been to AR in awhile. Again I’m so sorry & I will always remember his happy go lucky attitude & infectious smile.
Sherry,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Sherry,
Claude and I were very good friends, and he always made me laugh. My grandparents went to church at King Ryder, and he lived close by. I am very sorry for your loss, and my heart aches for you and his family.
Hugs and prayers,
Liz Culp Howell
Sherry and family,
Oh where do I even start! Claude Dean was a high school friend of mine. He was full of life, mischievousness and had a kind heart. All that knew him loved him. I treasure the memories of your beloved husband, dad and grandfather as a part of my younger years. Though it has been years since I have seen him, his memory will always be a delightful experience. Sherry, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. He was one of the white hats! My prayers along with many others are lifting you and your family up in the time of sorrow.
In my thoughts and prayers. So very sorry for your loss.
Linda Russell
Sweet Sherry and Family,
Claude was such a warm and welcoming man.
Thankful for eternal life and the knowledge of knowing we’ll see him in heaven.
My thoughts and prayers over you all.
Julie Martindale
JG &Verna Metscher
Tontitown,AR
Sherry,
I a, so sorry for your loss. Claude was a great guy. May God bring peace and comfort to you and your family during this difficult time.
So sorry Sherry and family. Claude Dean was my biggest crush when I was in the eighth grade he was the life of a party if anyone was down he had a gift to get that person feeling great. He will be missed. Send my condolences with prayers and hugs.
Sherry & family,
Sending our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss.