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Mayes Orlando Key © Stephens-Key Funeral & Cremation Care Submitted by: Jo Aguirre
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Mayes Orlando Key
March 3, 1926 - August 18, 2024
Mayes Orlando Key, age 98 years, 5 months and 15 days, left this earth for his heavenly abode on August 18, 2024. He was born in the back of Price General Store at Yonkers, Oklahoma, on March 3, 1926, as the youngest of five children, to James Jobe and Leoma Estella "Stella" Key (nee Holland). Though not materially wealthy, this son of a farmer and Free Will Baptist preacher had an idyllic childhood abundant in food, love and boyhood shenanigans. They swam in the Grand River, dug for and sold arrowheads and crossed on Poindexter Ferry (later Taylor Ferry) and hitched a ride on the local KONG freight train to the big city of Wagoner, OK. It was there he saw his first moving picture show featuring John Wayne in his first movie, The Big Trail, in 1930. He, his brothers and cousins were known to steal the occasional egg from Joe Young and promptly sell it back to him at his locally owned store for a large bag of candy. Joe always said, with a wink and a knowing smile, that he bought more of his own eggs than he sold.
The one room school house at Yonkers served as a great place of learning for many an eager child. Mayes began school at age 6, but promptly skipped over 1st and 2nd grades and began as a 3rd grader, as he had taught himself math and reading by the age of 5.
On his 18th birthday, he registered for the United States Army and on Christmas Day, 1944, he was enroute to France to replace soldiers in the Battle of the Bulge. His first combat was in the Ardennes Forest and all were ill-equipped for the cold. As a result, he suffered severe frostbite to his legs and feet. He refused hospitalization, as he would not be able to return to his unit. Instead, he opted for an aid station to recover. He then returned to his army buddies.
Mayes was involved in three campaigns - The Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was an expert marksman. He was the first Oklahoman in the 9th Army Company E, to reach the Rhine River.
He was captured on April 15, 1945, and held as a prisoner of war by the Germans until the end of WWII. He arrived back home to Yonkers, Oklahoma, via a convoluted trip accomplished by ships, planes, trains, buses and the local mailman. He arrived with little fanfare but great joy and was working as a regular citizen within a day or two.
In the summer of 1949, he met the most beautiful creature known -Wanda Lee Adams. He decided that day he would marry her, and on December 2, 1950, they were married. Thus began their seventy-year journey of matrimony and partnership to which many aspire, but few accomplish. They had only been married for four months when the 45th Infantry Division of the Oklahoma National Guard, to which he had earlier joined, mobilized. He was sent to serve in the Korean War. While there, he was tasked with the duty of crossing into No Man's Land (a 2.4-mile-wide strip of land separating North and South Korea owned by no one) for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. It was a very dangerous task indeed.
His first-born child was 9 months old before he got to meet him, but safely home this soldier returned. Over the next few years, with his growing family in tow, he worked various jobs in Kentucky, Ohio, Greenland and California before settling down in the "white house on the corner on the county road 2 miles west of town (Locust Grove)". It was in this house Mayes and Wanda gave their five children their own idyllic childhood, instilled with the love of God and family. Mayes proudly served as Deacon at the Locust Grove Free Will Baptist Church and on the Locust Grove School Board. He was honored to be a 32nd degree Mason.
Mayes spent 29 years at the Oklahoma/Lone Star Cement Plant, ultimately as the plant's electrical and maintenance supervisor, until he retired. After retirement, he then had a second career at the Key Funeral Home, owned and operated by his son and daughter in law, Tim and Clara.
Mayes was devoted to his family. He was a constant presence at their ballgames, piano recitals and church events. He was the consummate chauffeur for these events. It was not unusual to make 3 or more late night runs to pick up a daughter from an activity, all with nary a complaint.
He was admired and respected by those who knew him, be it army buddies, coworkers, family, or friends. The words loyal, trustworthy, respectful, patient, calm, and kind were frequently used to describe Mayes. Many are the times he was called on by a troubled soul for which he gave wisdom and counsel without shame. He never failed to kiss his wife and children and tell them he loved them before he left for work. He did this every single day. If you were home, you got hugged and kissed by daddy, no matter your age. It was their daddy they called for in the middle of the night when they were sick, scared or troubled. It was this same man who provided comfort and reassurance without fail.
He is survived by his children Karen Rice, Andrea Key (Jack Rawdon), Marsha Vick (James "Scooter") and Mark Key. Grandchildren: Clarissa Key, Autumn Weaver (Jeremy), Todd Rice (Amanda), Anthony Rial, Allison Rial, Elizabeth Rawdon, and honorary granddaughter Sophia Post. Great Grandchildren: Riley Suiter, Zak Yates, Sophie Suiter, Josie Suiter, Addison Rice, Brooklyn Rice, Phoebe Weaver, and Ambre ("Bean") Montgomery. He is also survived by daughter in law Clara Key and son in law Larry Rice. Surviving nieces and nephews: Cara Lee Soap, Peggy Daily (Paul), Kim Roach, Granville David Bates (Theresa) and Cathey Gillingham.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda and his adored son, Timothy Todd Key. Also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Mildred ("Yibber") Roach (Luke), Lance Key (Martha "Tootsie"), James ("Buster") Key and Laura Lois ("Little Laurie") Key. Nieces and Nephews, Gayle McCartney, Dennis Key and Sharon Key. Also: Father and mother in law Todd and Flossie Woods, brother in law Joe Adams and sister in law Loleta Johnson.
We will hold precious in our hearts, many fond memories and great love until we meet again and share once more.
Rest safely, peacefully and joyfully in the arms of Jesus Christ, your loving Savior, who has welcomed home His good and faithful servant.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Stephens-Key Funeral Home Chapel in Pryor.
The celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church of Locust Grove, Oklahoma. An interment will follow at Hogan Cemetery, Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Online condolences may be made at www.stephens-key.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in care of the Stephens-Key Funeral and Cremation Care of Pryor.
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