William “Bill” Robert Keys, 81, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Born on February 28, 1945, in Bellevue, OH, he was the son of the late Charles and Martha (Voirol) Keys. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army, assigned to the 1st Air Calvary Division during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious service in Vietnam.  Bill married his high school sweetheart, Judy (Norman), and together they spent 47 wonderful years watching their family grow until Judy’s passing in 2013. He married Helene Shoemaker and they had many happy years together until her passing in 2021. He worked as a controller for Shambaugh and Sons, CH Krouse, Dirig Sheet Metal, and Business Engineering. Bill also worked as a conductor for CSX Railroad until his retirement.

When not working, Bill enjoyed playing basketball, running, canoeing, and hunting. He kept busy coaching his children in their various sports and attending all his grandchildren’s activities. Bill was an avid IU basketball and Notre Dame football fan. His Catholic faith was important to him, and he was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. He served on various committees at the Church and was also the Athletic Director for many years.

Left to cherish his memory are his recent wife, Florence Keys; children, Kim (Rob) Lenhart, Kurt (Stacy Honeick) Keys, Kevin (Kathy) Keys, Kamy (Darren) Schreck, and Kraig (Alyssa) Keys; grandchildren, Collin, Caleb, Jonah, Kendall, Owen, Kyle, Evan, Calvin, Griffin, Harrison, Brady, and Sylvie. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Judith A. Keys and wife, Helene Shoemaker; grandson, Everett Keys; his parents; brother, Charles (Rose) Keys; and sisters, Janice Keys and Carol (Kelly) Mosley.

A funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home Cedar Canyons, 1986 W. Cedar Canyons Road, Huntertown, IN 46748 with a Rosary recited at 4:30 p.m. Memorials can be written for Mass intentions at St. Vincent de Paul, to the Bishop Dwenger High School Endowment Fund, and to DSANI (Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana) in Bill’s name. Fond memories and condolences can be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com for the family.