Gilbert Key

Gilbert Neil Key, 77, of Lockhart, passed away Jan. 5, 2015. He was born March 22, 1937, in Port Lavaca to Cassie Mae Sauers and the late Gilbert F. Key.

Gilbert was a devoted son who cared for his mother his whole life. He was a Graduate of Sam Houston State University with a degree in Chemistry and post graduate studies in Mechanical Engineering as well as acquiring numero

us training certifications . He was a student all his life, always trying to learn new things while testing his scientific knowledge.

Mr. Key was a Major in the U.S. Army with over 15 years of service including two tours in Vietnam and served in Alaska testing rockets. His military services included numerous posts, such as a Conventional Ammunition Officer, Ordnance Engineer and Officer, Research and Development Coordinator and a Mechanical Engineer.

Upon his honorable discharge in September 1974 he had received the National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Bronze Star. He was member of the America Legion, National Rifle Association and National Skeet Shooting Association. Gilbert was a worker all his life, beginning in a cotton gin in his teenage years through college and his military career, farm activities and worked at Capital Metro Transportation in Austin for many years until retirement.

He is survived by his mother; half-sisters, Sandra Jo Overmire and Linda Mercer; step-brother Lonnie Sauers; special aunt, Rosalie Meyers; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Including his father he was preceded in death by his brother “Baby Key”; step-father, W.A. Sauers; step-brother, Buddy Sauers; and step-sister Marilyn Shriver.

Graveside Services were held Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Victoria, Texas, with Rev. Bob Hailey officiating.

Heritage Funeral Home of Memory Gardens in charge of arrangements, (361) 578-3611.