Jerome Wayne Keys

Jerome (Jerry) Wayne Keys succumbed to complications from surgery. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sandra Keys; also survived by his two children, Kelly Keys Handran and Jeff Keys and his two grandchildren Jacob and Daniel Handran. Jerry was born in Sulphur Springs, Texas in 1941 and grew up in Houston, Texas. He started out at Sam Houston State University, but transferred to University of North Texas where he received a Bachelor's, Master's and PHDin English. While at North Texas Jerry was a member of the nationally recognized One O’clock Jazz band. He began his career as a professor at University of North Texas and continued his career teaching at Lamar University and University of Kentucky. He later took his family to Dallas, Texas where he became a professional musician in the famed Fairmont Hotel band. In the Fairmont band he accompanied such legends as Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald. Later in life Jerry took a supervisor role with the company GTE. Jerry made his home in Garland, Texas where he was a resident for 30+ years. Jerry was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a Shriner and a Knights Templar. Jerry Keys was a favorite teacher and a very talented musician who was loved by all.