David L. Key

** Video Tribute Can Be Viewed Below **David L. Key, age 65 of Belle Fourche, died at his home on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. A Memorial Service will be held 10 am Monday, July 24th, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Belle Fourche. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will take place in Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Belle Fouche Veterans Honor Guard. Funeral arrangements are with Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. David Lee Key was born November 11, 1951 in Bakersfield, California. He was the son of William and Ruth (Messinger) Key. At a young age, David moved with his family to Madagascar, Africa and later moved to Switzerland where he graduated from high school. In the late 1960’s, David moved to the United States and was married to Janet Hodges in California. To this union two sons were born: Michael and Robert. David served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1972 until 1978. He was a Green Beret and attained the rank of Sergeant. David worked as a deputy sheriff in Monroe Florida for a short time, and then moved to Buffalo South Dakota in 1978. He was divorced from Janet in 1980. In Buffalo, David worked for the phone company, and he was one of the town marshal’s. In 1982, he was united in marriage to Gloria Krause in Belle Fourche. Following their marriage, David drove semi-truck throughout the 48 states. In 1985 David and Gloria moved to Tehachani CA where he was a Correctional Peace Office. He also served in the Army National Guard of CA while living there. In 1991, they returned to Belle Fourche where he continued driving truck, retiring in 2015. For the past 1 ½ years, David has fought cancer with courage and strength. David was a man who worked hard throughout his life. And he always had advice for people, whether they wanted to hear it or not – especially his grandchildren. He will be missed greatly by his family. David is survived by his wife, Gloria of Belle Fourche; sons, Michael (Tina) of Rapid City, Robert (Brenda) of Belle Fourche; grandchildren, Julie, Sadye, Albert; brother, William (Nancy) Key of Carthage MO; mother-in-law, Betty Krause of Belle Fourche; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Benji. Celebration of Life 10:00 A.M. – Monday – July 24th, 2017 United Methodist Church Belle Fourche, South Dakota Officiant – Pastor Bob Duemig Special Music “On Eagles Wings”, Debra Leverington, soloist Judy Howard, pianist “Leader of the Pack”, “What Faith Can Do”, “Ballad of the Green Berets” Urnbearers Michael Key Julie Key Don Doak Pat Doak Inurnment Black Hills National Cemetery Sturgis, South Dakota Military Honors by Belle Fourche Veterans Honor Guard