In Honor and Memory of David Key

Over seven years ago I received a call from my Uncle, David Key, informing me that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Early on he wondered if he had a year left. After a treatment protocol was established, doctors believed he might have two, maybe three years. However, he made it more than seven. He just passed from this life December 2, 2024.

David Key was more than my Uncle, my mother’s youngest brother. He was my friend. My brother in Christ. An encourager. A confidant. And at times, even a mentor.

When I received the news of his passing it wasn’t totally unexpected. But in a sense it did seem sudden since he had responded so well to a recent new treatment in the past six months. I had talked to him just a few days earlier and he sounded good, excited about celebrating Thanksgiving with family, and returning to Florida for the winter. But he quickly took a turn and died on the very day he was planning to leave Louisville for Okeechobe.

Long time family friend and gospel preacher, Phillip Mullins, preached David’s funeral service Saturday, December 7th. His three texts were 1John 4:11-12,20-21, Philippians 4:4-7, and Psalm 90: 9-12. Phillip did a masterful job of capturing the essence of David’s life from these texts and used them to encourage us to emulate these three qualities.

#1 Uncle David loved people.

For many years David operated the Religious Supply bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky. Many of you may have known him through ordering books or Bible class material during those years. He loved the bookstore, but what he loved more was people. Meeting people. Helping people. Serving people. And even providing discounts for young preachers to build their libraries.

David liked fishing, especially in the winter months in Lake Okeechobee, but it wasn’t the basis of his life. What he loved even more was returning to Louisville and having fish fries to serve his family, friends, neighbors, and brethren.

David liked his Kentucky Wildcats, but it wasn’t the cornerstone of his life. It was an occasion to enjoy a common interest with others. And to good naturedly needle me when UK beat or surpassed my Indiana Hoosiers in the NCAA basketball tournament.

Second only to his love for God, was his love of family. When we talked, which was often, he expressed how proud he was of his adult children–Wendy, Mike, and John. And, of course, he gushed over his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I’m not sure when it began, but I know for many years David called my Mom every Saturday morning to check on her, see how she was doing, and share family news. It was a weekly ritual, Mom enjoyed and looked forward to. During some of Mom’s darkest hours, Uncle David was there for her.

When I talked to him last, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, he made it a point to tell me that he loved me. And I told David that I loved him too.

As Phillip observed, David understood “a fundamental principle that some never get–faith in God must create in us a love for others” (1 John 4:20-21).

#2 Uncle David Rejoiced in the Lord.

While he enjoyed many years of early retirement it wasn’t the ultimate goal of his life. His life was founded in and focused on the issues of the soul. Spiritual matters. Eternal principles that guided his life, impacted his relationships, and gave birth to his values.

His life was about the two great commandments–loving God with all your heart, soul and mind. And loving your fellow man. Our conversations over the years covered a variety of topics but they always came to and were centered around faith, family, and friends.  We talked about preaching, the church, spiritual issues, mutual friends, and always about how our kids and grandkids were doing.

David often admitted how blessed he was in life, thus he could give God thanks, rejoice, and enjoy his blessings. Like all of us, he experienced the pain and problems of life, but he never wallowed in life’s troubles. His first wife, Phyllis, who he adored, was stricken by cancer at too early an age, and left a void in his heart. But David found love again with Shannon. He often joked most men are lucky to have a good wife, but God blessed him with two good women.

“David knew how cruel life could be, but he did not not turn bitter,” Phillip said. “He knew its limits, but did not waste time bemoaning that fate. He put his faith in God and made the most of it.’

David rejoiced in opportunities to minister spiritually. Through the years he served first as a Deacon and later an Elder in the local church. For a period of time Phillip worked as an evangelist under David’s leadership and spoke to the joy he witnessed in his life as he Shepherded the flock under his oversight.

#3 Uncle David learned to number his days.

Moses’ command in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” was one that David embraced, especially during these last years.

When we talked on the phone he expressed a realization that his days were numbered. When we would visit either in Kentucky or Florida, David would say it may be our last time . While optimistic about life, he was also realistic.

In Moses’ Psalm he indicated that our days are somewhere between 70 and 80 years. As Phillip observed there are notable exceptions, but even with modern medical advancements, the life expectancy in the United States is 77.5 years. It’s a lesson we all need to take to heart.

David Key was a modern day Barnabas, who encouraged others and the Good Samaritan, who helped his neighbor who ever he was and where ever he lived.

We’ll miss what our daughter Rachél called, “his raucous laugh.” His good natured ribbing. His infectious smile. His funny stories. And his predictable expressions like, “You’ve got to kidding me!”

“The Bible has given expression to the lessons that David taught us with his life,” Phillip reminded us. “His death gives us an opportunity to take those lessons to heart.”

Rest well, Uncle David, in the abode of the soul. We will see you again on “Resurrection Morning.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman