In Loving Memory of Jean Keys

We just found out from our dear friend, Ted Keys, that his wife and best friend, Jean Keys had passed away earlier this year on February 28th.  Ange and I both were with Ted and Jean during our stay in Colorado Springs while stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado.  Ted and Jean Keys were a great example of what real love was all about.  For those that knew them, it was very hard not to love and admire them.  They were always the easiest people to get along with; and they were so much fun to be around.  Jean would always smile and have a glow about her no matter what she was doing.  She brought so much balance to the Servicemen's home; and you could always expect good food and good times when she was there.  But she was more than just a Pastor's wife to many of us that knew her.  She was an example of the joy and love that a Christian should always have; and it was all natural and real.  You never got the impression that she was just going through the motions.  She was a shining light and will be remembered as such by those whose lives she touched.  Of all the married couples that I've known there were none that were better examples of what love between a man and his wife should be.  They truly and deeply loved each other; and their example was the best I've ever seen.  

To those that were fortunate enough to have been around Ted and Jean: we hope that your life was enriched by them as much as ours was.  They have a son that is a young man.  Jean told us some awesome and inspirational things about him, sharing her pride and love for him. We know that it must be very difficult for both husband and son to have suffered such a loss. Please keep them in your prayers as they go through this difficult time. But also, though we miss our loved one, we take comfort in the knowledge that one day we will all be together again with the Lord.

Jean told me something one time that has stayed with me through all these years.  It was a simple statement that I believe she lived and that became a part of me.  She gave me one of those Wild Coyote smiles and said, "Seek His face."  I've thought of that command and Jean often over the years, especially as I would sing that old hymn,

"Oh I want to see Him
Look upon His face
There to sing forever
Of of His saving grace
On the streets of glory
Let me lift my voice
Cares all past
Home at last
Ever to rejoice!"

Jean would sing it with such gusto, you just knew it was a reality for her.  I'm sure she never wanted to leave behind her beloved Bears; but she's home now; and all her cares are past.  She'll be waiting with the Lord when it's our turn to join them.

Oh I Want To See HIM, Look Upon HIS Face