Roy Clarance Keyes

Roy Clarance Keyes, age 77, of Newark, Delaware passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 21, 2025. Roy was born in Harford County, Maryland to the late Helen (Elliott) Keyes and Herbert Lee Keyes. He grew up in Edgewood, Maryland. Roy met and married Edith “Joan” Keyes when he was 20, Roy and Joan enjoyed 49 wonderful years of marriage together. They moved to Delaware from Oxford, PA where they raised their two sons. Roy started off earlier in his career at Bata Shoe Company where he worked as a Assistant Foreman for 3 years. When Roy moved to Delaware, he began his 31-year career with Curtis Paper Company as a boiler operator and safety environmental director. Roy was president of the local 487 and later worked as a machine technician with W.L. Gore Company for 20 years. Roy was a dedicated family man and devoted Christian. He was an active member of Fairwinds Baptist Church for many years. Roy enjoyed spending time with his sons and their families. Roy was particularly fond of vacations with his family to his favorite beach Wildwood, New Jersey (he loved his banana water ice). Roy coached soccer at the YMCA for many years. He loved taking long drives, traveling, and seeing new places. Roy was a wonderful storyteller and had a great sense of humor. He was always quick to share a “Dad joke”. Roy was kind and made friends easily. He was lovingly known as the “Mayor” of Perkins Restaurant and met with many friends at the 7 AM Breakfast Club there. Roy enjoyed country music and loved to surprise his relatives with unplanned visits. He continued his love of traveling throughout the USA in his years as a widower. Roy loved to travel and spend time with his girlfriend, Pam Baldwin. They had many fun adventures together. Roy was well loved by everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed. Roy is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law: Brian and Sarah Keyes, and Michael and Leanne Keyes; his grandsons: Corey and Nolan Keyes; his girlfriend, Pam Baldwin and many friends and extended family members. In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his wife Edith “Joan” Keyes; his brother, Raymond Dean Keyes; and his sister, Mary Lou Keyes. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 10 to 11 AM on Monday, March 31, 2025 at the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702 with a service in celebration of Roy’s life at 11 AM. Burial will follow at the Kemblesville United Methodist Church Cemetery, 1772 New London Rd., Kemblesville, PA, 19350. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations in Roy’s name be sent to Fairwinds Baptist Church, 801 Seymour Rd., Bear, DE 19701. For directions or to send an online condolence please visit www.stranofeeley.com

Roy Clarance Keyes

April 1, 1947 - March 21, 2025

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