I am going through a rough spot in life and I have heard Steve’s voice counciling me. He was always kind to me when I was broken open. I miss him so.

I still miss Steve so much. Sometimes I hear his voice in my head giving me advise and opinions. He was so bright and had such a good heart. I miss his council and also so miss his political insights in this politically strange time. I am current listening to the 1619 project and how I wish Steve and I could talk about it. I hope everyone in his family is doing well and send you all good wishes and prayers.

Steve’s birthday today. The same day as the crazy capital assault. I am sure he watched that on TV with disbelief and insight as so many of us did.
My granddaughters, who are both teenagers now, knew Steve since they were little girls and were so sad to hear of his passing. He was always so kind to them and found things at garage sales to give to them.
I miss Steve.

It has been quite heartfelt to occasionally return to this site and see that someone new has been here since my last visit. It's also reassuring to read your comments and share them with other members of the family.

Frankly, I wasn't sure how beneficial it would be to retain the site as I thought it wouldn't be visited. But after reading that Tracey reactivated it, I'm touched and will ensure that it's permanently retained.

Actually, I find it a bit comforting to visit occasionally and enjoy the memories and comments written by others.

Again, I'll ensure other members of my family read your comments and condolences. They are most definitely appreciated.

Thank you!

The Key Family

To the Key family:
Last weekend happened to be MSU’s Homecoming; I started looking up former Spartans and saw this notice online. I was saddened to read of Steve’s passing in April. On Sunday I went to add a tribute and the website deactivated on me (it must have been the last day before expiration). I decided to reactivate it; despite the fact that we had not talked in many years I felt Steve deserved more shout-outs.
Steve and I met in Lansing under unusual circumstances; we dated for several years during the late 80s-to maybe 1990. When our relationship ended we went our separate ways: I took a position in Texas and he remained in Lansing. My memories of Steve were that he was a good guy with immense potential. I remember spending many evenings as he reveled in his high school football successes. We would watch highlight reels and football games – he was an impressive athlete! Date nights were usually spent within Steve’s comfort zone: with his family. Steve was totally devoted to them and seemed most at ease when he was in the company of those familiar faces. The Key family were some of the warmest people I have had the pleasure of meeting. Steve included me in many family activities from suppers to football games to family gatherings. I remember many Lansing evenings with his sisters Minnie and Gwen, and their families. And I remember how proud he was of his nephews Garvey and Stanley – he just knew they were headed to the NFL! At some point I met the rest of his family and extended members. And I also had the pleasure of going to Wilberforce and meeting Miss Dorothy whom he loved dearly. Steve was very proud of his entire family and their accomplishments.
After much digging I was able to find some pictures – I believe we were going to a Lansing New Year’s Eve event with Steve’s office buddy from Bank One and his date. There are more photos but they are probably in the garage or maybe lost in the move. Steve had his heart in the right place, especially when it came to his loved ones. I am happy to hear he left this earth surrounded by devoted family and friends. To the entire Key family: please know that you were cherished by Steve and I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. He was a good person and heaven gained another angel.

Tracy Williams

I just looked online to see if I could find Steve. And saw his obituary.
I moved away 3 years ago and have not seen Steve since I moved. I am sad to hear of his death. Steve was like a brother to me in some ways: we could fuss like brother and sister but we were also always wanting the best for each other. He was someone I could count on to be in my corner.
Steve had a huge heart. He also had a brilliant mind. He knew more about politics then anyone I have ever known. He was also so good at unraveling the real meaning of a political event. He had a pulse for how people of color, women, and other oppressed were going to be affected by events. He was a visionary.
He could be wicked funny. Wicked insightful.
Wicked stubborn when he wanted something( like any youngest child, I suppose)! But quick to move on the next time you saw him.
Respectful. Kind. Smart. Bright. Insightful. Political. Funny. Stubborn. Survivor. Big hearted.
I have missed him since I moved to North Carolina.
I will see you on the other side, Steve! I know you are making your mom laugh right now. Glad you are reunited with her….you loved your mom so.
Love you, my dear friend.
Cindy

Please email stan_key@tx.rr.com if you would like the Zoom or Conference call link for the Memorial Celebration of Life on June 26th at 1:30 PM.

My family and I send our condolences. I have know him ever since I was a child. He will be missed. God bless the family. McNeil, Betty, and Dawn White.

To Stan Key and Family - Sending heartfelt condolences, prayers and much love to you during this difficult time. May your memories of Steve provide comfort and peace in the days ahead. I am grateful that we had a chance to meet Steve when he was here in Dallas. As you go through this difficult time, please let me know if you need anything. Remember that those that we share so much of our lives with will forever be a part of us.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Steve's family. His life impacted many . Steve was a neighbor, friend and fraternity brother. During our interactions he was always cordial and respectful . Please accept my thoughts and prayers for your comfort during this difficult time.

To the family of Mr. Steve Key:

Steve was truly a gentleman. I had the pleasure of meeting him in the mid-90's when I worked for Chamber of Commerce in Dayton. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.

At the expense of leaving someone off this list, the family would like to offer a special thanks to a few special people who went well beyond to support Steve during his trying and most difficult last months. You guys will never know how much it meant to the family having you there to selflessly support Steve the way you did. Monumental thanks to Curtis Symonds, Charlie Greene, Ron Todd, Danny Jackson, Lee Warren and Michael Dudley. If I've omitted anyone, please forgive me.

Special thanks and love also to the many caring nurses and aids at the Xenia and Trotwood Davita Kidney Care facilities as well as the SKLD Nursing Home in New Lebanon. You guys were family to us and we certainly couldn't have done it without you. 

For those who knew Steve, let’s not allow our memories the past two years to define him. The strain of dialysis, kidney failure and ultimately cancer took a debilitating toll both physically and mentally during this period. This was not the Steve we knew and loved. So, as I morn and come to terms with his passing, I’m trying to focus on his fuller life.

Steve was rather complicated in many ways yet simple in others. That of course represents many of us. He ultimately wanted to be liked, loved and admired by his family and friends. He wanted to be happy, trusted and honored as somebody special. 

I visited often with him the past several months and can conclude that he left us believing he had realized his purpose. He spoke joyfully about good times shared with friends partying and celebrating back in his heyday. He talked of special occasions with our brothers and sisters back in Wilberforce, Philadelphia, Lansing and Chicago. He dearly loved our mother and was devastated by her death. He treasured his friendships with the guys on the Xenia High School basketball and football teams and often quoted Rollie Barton as an influencer. He talked about breaking his ankle during his Wilmington College football debut and how sorry he was his brother and sister had to witness it.

He appreciated the importance of helping others and made it a special point to support others through mentoring, sharing advice, providing financial support or simply just showing up. He looked to and tried to treat his nephews like his own sons. He was also proud of his public speaking and sales training accomplishments as well as his leadership role in various corporate United Way campaigns. Although he didn’t win, he was pleased with the confidence he acquired executing a competitive run for the local State of Ohio Rep 2012 seat.

I spent a lot of days and hours listening to Steve highlight his achievements during his final months. Like all of us, he had some regrets but overall, felt good about his life. Steve, my brother, you and can rest in peace knowing you put up a gallant and heroic battle both during and before your illness. I promise we won’t forget you and that you can rest in peace knowing you were indeed “somebody” special.

Love you,
Your Family and Dear Friends!