Obituaries:  Clarence Jefferson Key, Sabine Parish       K-000
Source:  Sabine Index, Many, La., May 2, 1985
Submitted by: Carl Dilbeck
              carlrad@earthlink.net


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Clarence Jefferson Key (Photo)

  Clarence Jefferson Key of Many, died suddenly on Thursday, April
25, 1985, at 3 p.m. He was 70 years of age.

  Survivors include his widow, Beulah Key of Many; one son, Tommy
Key of Many; one daughter, Billie June Salter of Many; five
grandchildren, Mrs. Debbie Crittenden, Rebecca Salter, Kim Key,
and Seth Key of Many, and Greg Salter of Dallas, Texas; two great
grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Lovie Cotton of Many.

  Memorial services for Mr. Key were held Saturday, April 27, at 2
p.m., at the Alford Heights Baptist Church, where he was a member
for many years. Officiating at the services were the Rev. Earl
Marr, the Rev. Joe Dan Franklin, the Rev. Dean Crittenden, and
Rev. Brent Fleming.

  Interment was in the Jerusalem Cemetery, under the direction of
Warren Meadows Funeral Home of Many.

  Music was rendered by Mr. and Mrs. David Carnline, Mr. and Mrs.
Benny Rhodes, and Jerry Bazar, who were former members of the
"Sounds of Salvation" a singing group of which both Tommy and
Billy June were members for several years. This singing group had
a special place in Mr. Key's heart.

  Pallbearers were Doyle Sandifer, John Skinner, Norman Dockens,
Odie Jorden, Johnny LeFeat, and Joe Dees. Honorary pallbearers
were Sheriff Alfice Brumley, and employees of the Sabine Parish
Sheriff's Department.

  Mr. Key was born on Nov. 18, 1914, at Kisatchie, to Mr. and Mrs.
William J. Key. He was one of five children, all whom are now
deceased except for one sister, Mrs. Lovie Cotton.

  In the September 18, 1975 edition of the Sabine Index, Key was
named Personality of the Week, and in that interview with Donna
Smith Ammons, he shared the following:

  "Childhood years were spent on a farm in Kisatchie, where we
were all raised in a Christian home. Times were hard, and
everyone had to do their part." Key had many fond memories of the
"old days", which he loved to share with his family and friends.

  He married Beulah Strickland of Robeline on Feb. 8, 1936. He and
his wife moved to Many in 1940.

  He was elected to the Sabine Parish Police Jury, and served as
President in 1955, and 1956. In 1963. He joined the Sabine Parish
Sheriff's Department under Sheriff "Pappy" Phillips, and served
as Deputy for 17 years, after which he retired.

  Gospel music was an important part of his life. He was a member
of the "Ferguson Quartet", which sang in this area for many
years. Mr. key led singing for revivals, and helped with
homecomings and funeral whenever he was called on. He served as
Choir Director at Calvary Baptist church, and Alford Heights
Baptist Church for many years.

  Clarence Key was a friend to all, and was dedicated to his work
and family. "I have one of the finest women for a wife, and two
of the greatest kids", he boasted.

  We at the Sabine Index are happy to salute Clarence Key, a
former "Personality of the Week".

  During the past few years following major heart surgery, Mr. Key
was not physically able to do many of the things he loved to do.
He looked forward to friends stopping by for a visit. He will
never be forgotten, and will be missed by all who loved him.