Obituaries:  John Adam Key, Sabine Parish       K-000
Source:  Sabine Index, Many, La., Jun 23, 1977
Submitted by: Carl Dilbeck
              carlrad@earthlink.net


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John Adam Key (Photo)

  John Adam Key, 75, a prominent Many citizen, and recognized
cattleman in the state, died on Saturday, June 18, at 4:30 a.m.,
in Baptist Hospital in New Orleans.

  Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Flarcie Key of Many; a
daughter, Miss Mary Beth Key of New Orleans; and a host of nieces
and nephews.

  Hundreds attended the funeral services for Key on Monday, June
20, at 2 p.m. An overflow crowd filled the First Baptist Church
of Many, as the Rev. Bill Rose of New Orleans, a former pastor of
the church, and Dr. Rod Smith officiated. As the funeral
procession rounded the corner near the St. John's Catholic
Church, a group of local blacks paid a silent tribute to the man
they admired so much.

  Music during the services was rendered by Merrill Cummings,
organist, and Patsy Wright McCormick, soloist.

  Key, who had established his name in the cattle business years
ago, owned and cared for a herd of Brahmans and cross bred
cattle. One person described him well when he said, "He loved a
cow better than any man I've ever known." Cattle and the name
Adam Key were synonymous.

  John Adam Key was born on November 5, 1901, at Kisatchie, to
James Jack Key and Miriam Elizabeth Key. He was one of twelve
children, all of whom are now deceased.

  In his early teens, he joined the Baptist Church. He has been a
member of the Many First Baptist Church for over 48 years.

  Key had built a strong reputation for helping those who needed
him over the years. He helped those who couldn't help themselves
through donations. Many times his good deeds were unknown to the
public, but that was how he wanted it. He gained satisfaction by
doing, and not getting credit for deeds he had done.

  A large landholder in the town, Key provided land for the
construction of Many Hospital, the Sabine Parish Health Unit, and
a church, in an effort to keep the small town he loved growing.
In the past year, he cared for 85 head of cattle on a 240 acre
farm in the city limits. From this location, he also operated a
Loan and Bonding Service for 27 years. Whenever someone was in
need of bond, or in need of good, sound advice, Adam Key was the
man to see.

  Civically, Key was a very active man. He served as President of
the Sabine Parish Fair Association for a number of years,
remaining on the Board of Directors until his death. He was a 20
year member of the Louisiana Farm Bureau, and had belonged to the
American Brahman Breeders Association for 30 years. Much of his
time was spent serving as chairman of committees, while a member
of the Louisiana Cattlemen's Association. A loyal supporter of
youth programs, through the Future Farmers of America, and the
4-H Clubs, Key purchased animals each year from exhibitors at the
Sabine Parish Junior Livestock Shows.

  Key was also a past president of the Civitan club. On October
29, 1929, he joined the Many Masonic Lodge. He was a member of
the El Karubah Temple in Shreveport too.

  A charter member of the Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce, Key
served as vice president in 1955, and remained a member from 1946
until his death.

  Adam Key was a man who was known and recognized far and wide.
His cattle dealings, his generosity, and his love of people will
never be forgotten. Many people did not have the opportunity to
really know this wonderful man. He always had time to chat with
friends, and keep up with people who resided in his hometown. If
Adam Key knew someone needed help or advice, he readily made
himself available at any time. He made the lives of many people
in this area more bearable and livable.

  Pallbearers at his funeral were C. B. Funderburk, Clarence Key,
Thurman Funderburk, Hollice Booty, J. B. Funderburk, Angelo
Piazza III, Michael Beason, Bob Miller, and ray Dunigan.

  Honorary pallbearers were David Bray, Quinton Brandon, Jimmie
Brister, George Cook, Dr. S. F. Fraser, A. L. Head, Otis Jones,
Lee Jordan, John E. Jackson, Joe Lowrey, Bill Lyles, DeLesseps S.
"Toni" Morrison, E. M. Patrick, T. M. Phillips, Kenneth Pensonat,
Johnny Rhodes, Elmer Renfree, Margaret Sunday, James Stewart,
Alva Tarver, Horace Tompkins, Charley B. Tramel, and Melvin
Wright.