Mr. Lugene Keys/Sir Knight Lugene Keys, 75, of Bluffton, passed away after a brief illness on May 22, 2022.  Known as "Gene" by friends and family, he was born in Greenville, NC, and came to New Haven, CT, as a child.  He relocated to Indiana with his family in 2005.

Gene was the son of Rosa (Coburn) and Johnnie Keys, who both preceded him in death.  He is survived by his best friend, confidant and wife of 44 years, Kay Johnson-Keys; son, Jonathan Lugene Keys; daughters, Jessica Keys and Eumekia Wright; along with three grandchildren, Charlotte Rose Keys, Jaelin Fore and Kaylah Dowdell.  He is also survived by his uncle, Milton Coburn, his wife Jessie, and their remaining children, of New Haven, CT.

Gene leaves behind many good friends and admirers that he has developed over the years including, but not limited to, Fred and Martha Brummell, their son, Luis, Deborah Bailey, Geraldine Ledbetter and the remaining Ledbetter family, along with his list of friends who are too numerous to count.

"Of my husband, I can only say that he was a very special man and father to our children.  I was always surrounded by his love, caring and support.  I have been blessed and await the day that we will be reunited in heaven forever.  Marriage is a union of both love and duty and when you achieve both, you live in grace." – Kay.

Gene was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council #7555 and member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Bluffton.  He was proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus and at the forefront of all the community good that the group did.  The family wishes to thank all the members of the Knights and their wives, for the support that they have given them during this difficult time.  Those friends include, but are not limited to, Mike and Debbie Lautzenheiser, Sandy Smythe, Cynthia and Gregg Reed, Michelle Paxton, along with many others.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 31, 2022, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton, followed by a rosary service at 7:00 PM, led by the Knights of Columbus.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 1:00 PM, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Bluffton, with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #7555.  Sympathy cards may be addressed to "The Family of Lugene Keys", in care of Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel, 3220 East State Road 124, Bluffton, IN 46714.