John Edd Key Jr

John Edd Key Jr, 81, of Cromwell, CT passed away on Friday, June 5,2026. He was born December 21,1944 in Houlka, Mississippi to John Edd Key Sr. from Buena Vista, Mississippi and Wilma Louise Title of Houlka, Mississippi. John will be long remembered for his exceptional proficiency in aerospace engineering but his family and closest friends also knew he was an accomplished gardener who also loved tampering with mechanical gadgets. As a teenager, John grew up in South Bend, Indiana. He lived with his Father, John Edd Key Sr, his Mother, Wilma Louise (Title) Key, and his Brother, Lawrence (Tulum), who was one year older than John. Both Boys attended South Bend Central High and were interested in athletics, especially cross country, track, and field. John particularly made a huge impact in those areas. He earned a scholarship to Indiana State University in his Senior year. After two years of College, John decided to go back to South Bend and pursue work for the Bendix Corporation as a Security Guard. Not long after John was hired to work in security, he got married and began raising a family. In 1967, his first Son, Marcus was born and his second Son, Michael was born the following year. John continued taking classes at Notre Dame University to prepare himself for a prospective job in Engineering. John also worked as a Credit Union Manager for the Model Cities Program in South Bend. The program looked at Urban Renewal and assessment planning for the city. John found himself working 2 jobs to make ends meet and before he knew it, his Children were school age and the Family needed more income John’s Wife worked for the Social Security Administration and he continued working for the Credit Union. After 7 years of marriage, John found himself and his two Sons living back at his Parent’s home with his Mother and Brother, Lawrence. 5 years went by, John met the love of his life! They were everything to each other, the Quintessential Couple which God had joined together. He met Brenda Kay Coleman, a Teacher whom he married on June 11,1977. The couple was blessed that John’s Bosses at Bendix Aerospace realized that he was trained and interested in Aerospace Engineering so much that John was offered a job on the East Coast. John and his Bride of only 9 months came to Cromwell, Connecticut. 5 years later, Matthew Colman Key, his third Son, was born, and 33 months later, his Daughter, Wilma Louise Key was born. John Edd Key Jr. had many great treasures! His greatest treasure has always been owning the title, DAD! With that title, he has committed to the word patience. John took so much pride and responsibility in supporting and showing the Children how to be great Athletes, but first, outstanding individuals. He wanted them to be good people in the World, Workplace, and Community. He supported Matthew and his travels to different places learning about the World’s Peoples, Music, and Culture. He never stopped talking about the day his Baby Girl, Wilma Louise, graduated from Medical School. His dream was to watch his little Heart Surgeon perform! John was a quiet, kind, and caring soul in his community of Cromwell. If he knew that an issue was being discussed or needed public input he and Brenda wouldn’t hesitate to join up with a Committee to work with the team to discuss necessary changes for the good of all the community’s people. John is survived by his Wife, Brenda Key, and his Son, Matthew Coleman Key of Cromwell, Connecticut; Daughter, Wilma Louise Key (Towery) and Son in Law, Adrian Towery of Bronx, New York, Marcus John Key of Guatemala, Brother in Law, Quincy Coleman of Hartford, Connecticut; Granddaughter; Alize Key of Las Vegas, Nevada, and a host of Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren located in Cumberland, Rhode Island, South Bend, Indiana, San Bernadino, California; his very special Cousins, Rae Mildred Hobson, Carolyn Hobson, Curtis Hobson, Theresa Hobson, of Houlka, Mississippi; Joyce Turner of Schenectady, New York; a host of cousins in Racine, South Bend, Indiana; Michigan and Chicago; a host of Nieces and Nephews. John was preceded in death by his Son, Michael Dwayne Key, Grandmother Mabelle Key, Mother Wilma Louise Key, Father John Edd Key Sr. Brother Lawrence, Special Cousin, Mable Gunn, and Uncle Charlie Title. We would like to thank you for your support during this time. Your Cards and letters are much appreciated. We love you all! Sincerely, Brenda, Matthew, Wilma, and Adrian I am in lieu of flowers, the Family would appreciate it if you could send donations to cancer.org

John Edd Key Jr

December 21, 1944 - June 5, 2026