Roger Dale Key, 76, of McAlester, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, in McAlester. Roger was born on July 19, 1940, in Durant, to his parents John H. and Johnnie L. (Sain) Key. Roger attended high school at Atoka and Edmond High School. He attended college at Central State and Murray State College, where he played football. Roger and Pat McCary were married in Dallas, Texas in 1963. and had three sons, Jeffery, Gregory and Roger Lynn. Roger's dad worked for Chicago Bridge and so they lived in Venezuela and several Caribbean islands while he was growing up, but they called Farris their home. Roger loved cattle and was a successful rancher for all his adult life. They bought Key Equipment in 1979, which began his career with the equipment business. His hobby in life was working with cattle and improving his land. He loved his family and was a good father, husband and grandpa. His grandchildren, Lauren, Rylee and Garrison, called him Pa. Roger had many friends and helped many people in his lifetime. Roger came to know the Lord as a young man. He was a member of Cowboy Church and is now rejoicing in heaven with the Lord and many family members. He will be missed greatly by his friends. Roger is survived by his wife, Pat Key; sons, Jeff Key and Greg Key; sister, Becky Duren; daughter-in-law, Angela Key, and grandchildren, Lauren, Rylee and Garrison Key. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Roger Lynn Key; brother, Thomas Key, and sister, Kaye Kerley. Funeral services were Saturday, Jan. 28, at First Baptist Church of McAlester with Pastor Mitch Atterberry officiating. Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home of McAlester. Pallbearers were Larry Brinkley, Mike Miller, Kevin Connor, Rusty Martin, John Simmons and Larry Mullins.
Honorary pallbearers were Jack and Bertha Watson, Phil Hartridge, Lindsay Grant, Barry Horsley, Shelly Hogan and Barnie Sartin. (McAlester News Capital, Jan. 29, 2017, With Permission.