Joseph Keys was born November 22, 1926 to the union of Claude and Mary Keys in Crossett, Arkansas. He was the youngest of six children. He received his education in the Crossett Public School System. Upon completion of his education, Joseph enlisted in the US Army during World War II. In June 1952, he married Virginia Dell Richards and from this union had five children and one step-daughter. He was employed at Emerson Electric as a senior painter instructor in the Electric Space Division, until retirement in 1992, where he received numerous awards, one of which was from the Missouri House of Representatives. Joseph professed a hope in Christ at an early age. He departed this life on Saturday evening, January 21, 2012 at Beauvais Manor where he resided. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Mary Keys, his wife, Virginia Dell Keys, and his sister, Dorothy Mae Keys and his three brothers, James Keys, Ferman Keys, and Ernest Keys. He leaves to cherish his memory: three daughters, Virginia Davis, JoAnn Keys, and Donna Ellis (Roxey); three sons, James Keys (Carolyn), Dennis Keys and Bruce Keys; eleven grandchildren, David (Carolyn), Roderick (Toni), Antonio (Tammy), Delisa, Venita, Marlo, Chris (Charon), Sheldonn, Marc, Jordon (Ayisha), and Redmond; a host of great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Alberta Ray and Mary Francis Matthews; other family and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Joseph Keys. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.