Gary Key

PHOENIX - Gary Timothy Key, 76, formerly of Eloy, died quietly on Feb. 21, 2014, at Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix, with his sister by his side.

The memorial service will be at 12:30 p.m. Monday in National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, in Phoenix.

Mr. Key was born on Sept. 17, 1937, in Kern City, Calif., and was a son of Theodore R. "Ted" and Rhoda L. Smith Key. He later had a stepmother, Juanita. He grew up in Buckeye and later in Eloy and graduated from Santa Cruz Valley Union High School in 1956. He served in the Marine Corps and later picked cotton with his father. He moved to California and worked in construction until retiring.

He later moved back to Arizona, settling in Glendale, and loved fishing, the Diamondbacks and Suns. He also loved country and old rock music, his family, spicy Mexican food and chiles.

Survivors include three children, Randy, Brenda and Allen, all of California; a sister, Mary B. Key of California; a brother, Eddie D. Key of Eloy; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Teddy and Bobby.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Mountain View Chapel is in charge of arrangements.