J. Grant Keys, 86, Leading Democrat Passes Away

He was born in Barnesville, Ohio, and has been a livelong Elyria resident.

Mr. Keys was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the Elyria United Polish Club, and the Elyria Knights of Columbus Council # 774.

He was a 1935 graduate of Elyria High School, and a 1941 Cum Laude graduate of Ohio University.

He was a W.W.II U.S. Army Air Corps. Veteran.

Mr. Keys' interests included flying, where he had both his commercial and flight instructor licenses.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was active in youth recreation programs, where he helped organize Little League South in Elyria.
He collected pre-historic Indian artifacts, liked to paint. and draw, and framing artwork.

Survivors include his wife Mary C. (net-Meany); daughters, Corrine Dawson, Mickey Keys, Kelly Firestine, Katie Keys, all of Elyria, and Colleen Meeker of Bay Village; sons, Michael of Elyria, Patrick of Columbus, John, Thomas, Anthony, and James, all of Elyria; 21 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Timothy in 2003, his parents, James A. and Bertha K. (nee-Glasow) Keys, and a brother, J. Robert.

Friends may call Monday from 1-4 & 6-9 p.m. at the Bauer-Laubenthal Funeral Home, Chestnut Ridge Road at state Route 57, Elyria, where the Lt. Francis McManus 4th. Degree Assembly of Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 7-9 p.m.

Prayers will be at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 320 Middle Ave., Elyria.

The Rev. Joseph C. Weigand, Pastor will be the Celebrant.

Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Elyria, where members of V.F.W. Post 1079, Elyria will conduct full military honors.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the St. Mary Building Fund, 320 Middle Ave., Elyria, Ohio 44035.