Richard Manning Keys

Richard Manning Keys passed away peacefully at his home July 31, 2024. Richard was born on November 8, 1926, in East Liverpool, OH to the late Alvin and Gladys Keys. He attended East Liverpool High School in East Liverpool, graduating in 1944.

After registering for the draft on his birthday that year, he was drafted into military service on March 5, 1945, serving in the Navy. He left active service in July 1946, remaining in the reserves. Richard attended Ohio University, majoring in Broadcasting in the College of Fine Arts. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in June 1950.

He was called back into military service on November 8, 1950, to serve in the Korean War. He served his country until April 1952, when he was honorably discharged from the service.

He began his broadcasting career in 1955 at WHIZ in Zanesville to become the Sports Director for radio and television. Richard left WHIZ in 1962 to pursue a career with Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor, a role he continued until retiring in 1991.

During his lifetime, Richard was a key contributor to many community organizations, including serving on the Foundation Board of Bethesda Hospital, the Zanesville Athletic Board, participating 20 years in the Greater Zanesville Singers, serving 20 years on the Salvation Army Board, the ZHS Quarterback Club, the Zanesville City Recreation Board, and the Genesis Advisory Board. He also served as a choir member, deacon and elder at Trinity United Presbyterian Church. He also announced the first Zanes Trace Commemoration Parade and continued in that role for 19 years. He was also a life member of the VFW and actively supported veteran’s organizations.

Richard was an avid sports fan, always cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Pirates, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the local Zanesville Blue Devils.

He was preceded in death by one older brother, Robert.

In addition to his beloved wife of 71 years, Margaret; his daughter Lori (Keith) Meadows; and a son, Brian Keys; his grandchildren: Cody Meadows, Macy (Michael) Flowers, Emily Keys, and Sarah (Glenn) Reindl; and his great-granddaughter Mia Flowers; and a sister-in-law, Carol Martin.

Memorial donations may be made in Richard’s name to The Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or the National WWII Museum, www.nationalww2museum.org.

Calling hours will be from 11AM until time of service at 12 Noon, Saturday, August 3, 2024, at THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE. The funeral will begin at 12 Noon in the Snouffer Chapel with Rev. Deb Bowsher officiating. Burial will follow in Zanesville Memorial Park. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 1058 Zanesville and the United States Navy.