Keith Eugene Key

Keith Eugene Key, 90, of Littleton CO, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Keith lived a life that meant something different to each of the people fortunate enough to know him. He was a husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, colleague, and proud United States Navy veteran. Each of those roles revealed a different part of the man he was, and together they tell the story of a life that touched many others.

Born in Leadville, Colorado, on June 14, 1936, Keith grew up in the Grand Junction area, where he spent much of his youth and developed a love for sports. As a young man, he worked for the railroad before his interest in aviation led him to enlist in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country for two years. Following his military service, Keith attended the University of Denver and went on to build a career in the financial industry, working as a loan officer and mortgage broker.

Keith’s fascination with aviation, however, extended well beyond his time in the Navy. He earned his private pilot’s license and loved the freedom of taking to the skies in his own airplane.

But Keith's life was about far more than the dates, places, and accomplishments that can be listed here. He will be remembered for his honesty, his strong work ethic, and his unwavering devotion to his family. He believed in working hard, being true to his word, and taking care of the people he loved. Family always came first for Keith, not simply in what he said, but in the way he lived his life.

Keith is survived by his wife, Linda Key; daughter Jenna Otero, stepchildren Jeanne Johnson and Sean Stedeford; grandchildren Davis Otero, Jade Otero, McKinzie Johnson, Hailee Johnson, Addison and Emelia Stedeford, and Ainsley Johnson; and great grandchild Forrest Otero. Siblings include Robert (Steve) Key.

He was preceded in death by his brother Charles “Chuck” Key and his daughter Cinda Newman.

There will never be just one way to describe Keith because there was never just one way to know him. The stories, lessons, laughter, and memories he leaves behind belong uniquely to each person whose life he touched.

His family hopes that those who knew and loved him will continue to remember Keith in the way they knew him best.