Donald "Don" L. Key

Donald “Don” L. Key of Caseville, age 93, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at MediLodge of Cass City on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Don was born on April 3, 1932, in Pontiac, Michigan, to the late Robert and Rosa (Wilhite) Key. He worked as a machinist for most of his life, retiring in 1994. Don sang in the choir at Sunnyvale Chapel in Waterford and that is how he met Ellen Rae (Goode) Dickerson. The couple would marry on January 8, 1976, and share over 50 years together. She is left to treasure his memory. Don enjoyed time to himself, riding his Honda motorcycle in his younger years and relaxing at his home in Caseville in his retirement. He loved figuring out how things worked, tinkering with electronics and computers. Don was fiercely proud of the beautiful family that he was privileged to be a part of and whom he loved deeply.

Left to cherish Don’s memory are his wife, Ellen Key; children, Debra Jo Key, Cheryl (Duane) Davis, and Noelle (Chris) Galleck; daughter-in-law, Claudia Key-Friedman; grandchildren, Todd (Alicia) Key, Brian (Leanna) Key, Donovan (Tracy) Galleck, David McNeil, Jenna (Dan) Jones, Denee Lopez, Donald Galleck, Ana McKenzie, Dominic (Shelby) Galleck, Drew (Jessica) Galleck, Adam (Bri) McNeil, Caitlin (Johnnie Kilby) McNeil, Ashley (David) Roberts, Dillon Galleck, Dalton (Megan Kolomak) Galleck, Dawson Galleck, Darcie (Dean Peryerk) Galleck, Delvin (Victoria Rybinski) Galleck, Damelia (Hunter Langley) Galleck, and Deyenna (Ty Tennant) Galleck; and numerous great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Don was preceded in death by son, Don Michael “Mike” Key; sister, Dolly (Chuck) Vance; brother, Delbert Key; and great grandchildren, Kenneth, Logan, and Elly.

A funeral service for Don will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church, 6718 Prospect Street, Caseville, MI, with Rev. Mike Goforth presiding. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.