Dan Carlton Keys, 78, beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, passed away on June 11, 2017, in Carmel, IN. He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Mary Jane, and children David (Marcilynn), Mary Beth Bertis (Vic), Mark (Carrie), and Nancy Mullens (Ryan) and sister Carole Swann. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren: James, Sarah, Jessica, Rebecca, Benjamin, Kacey, Abigael, Gus, Tucker, Alex, and Zoey. He was preceded in death by his parents Herman C. Keys and mother Gladys M. Keys.
Dan was born and raised in McCordsville, IN. He attended Purdue University and graduated with a degree in civil engineering. He has remained an avid supporter of Purdue, a true Boilermaker through and through. He met his wife Mary Jane at Purdue.
After graduation he went to work for the Indiana State Highway Department as a project engineer. From there he joined the staff of the Indiana Highway Contractors Association. In 1970 he went to work for Berns Construction Co., Inc. where he remained for 40 years becoming President, CEO, and owner. Berns became a major contractor for interstate highway construction and reconstruction in the central Indiana area. He served as a board member and President of Indiana Constructors, Inc, board member and Chairman of the Build Indiana Council, and board member and Chairman of the American Concrete Pavement Association. He was named a distinguished alumni in Civil Engineering at Purdue as well as being recognized with the Hartman-Hirchman-Egan award for outstanding achievement by the American Concrete Pavement Association.
An avid golfer, Dan enjoyed spending time with his friends at his home on Sanibel Island, Florida, and Woodland Golf Club in Carmel. Always the handyman, he became a woodworker and cabinet maker after retirement.
The family invites you to help us remember Dan at his memorial service, Friday, June 16, 2017, at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 1402 West Main St., Carmel. Visitation will be held from 12 noon until 2 p.m. with the service at 2. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, 9075 N. Meridian St., #150, Indianapolis, In 46260.
Nina Tatlock says
Dear Mary Jane and all of the Key’s family, I extend my sincere condolences on the loss of Dan. May God wrap you in his arms of comfort. Peace to all of you.
James Partloe says
Our condolences from James Partlow and family. I think of Dan as a true,honest, and good man.Our prayers to your family.
Shannon Swann says
I am so sorry that I am unable to be there at this time. I have too many memories of time spent with Uncle Dan to count, and they are all precious to me. He was a kind and generous man, and I’m sad that I did not get to see him more in these last years. Sending love to all.
Donna Croce says
To MaryJane and all the Keys family. I am saddened and heartbroken about Dan’s passing. From the moment I met Dan, he was the sweetest, kindest man. I didn’t play golf but when I sat next to him at events at the club he always was pleasant and interested in things I had to say. We mostly talked about family which he was so very proud of. I enjoyed his company very much and will miss him at our Sanibel table. My deepest condolences to you all….
Ann Runyon Will says
Curt and I are saddened to learn of Dan’s passing. Our Sanibel neighborhood won’t be the same without him. We will long remember his laugh and cheerful smile. Our thoughts and love are with you! Ann
Jeff Lord & Teresa Lord says
Dear Mrs. Keys and family, We would like to express our sincere condolences on the loss of Dan. He was truly, above all else,a very good person, a quality not found in many today. May your family find a bit of peace knowing so many people are thinking of you at this time.
Gene Lankford says
Dan will be missed by me and all of his foursome buddies at Sanibel Island Golf Club
Gerry & Rod Verblaauw says
Dear Mary Jane,
Rod and I extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Gerry Verblaauw
Jack Tukey says
Dear Mary Jane and family,
Dan was the most fun to play golf with at Beachview and Sanibel Island Golf course. A great sense of humor. He was a great player, but never took the game too seriously. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
BILL AND NANCY STELL says
We are so glad that Dan came back to Sanibel for a short visit, and that he and Mary Jane sat and visited with us at the annual Pig Roast. He was his usual upbeat self, his wide smile and twinkling eyes shining.
Rest in Peace, friend!
Don Rice says
Along with other of Dan’s golfing friends from Crown Colony we enjoyed a special lunch with Dan during his visit to Sanibel in April—and he paid the bill!!! I am saddened that we will not have Dan as a friend and partner/competitor on the golf course. He was kind and gentle and respected by all. We will miss him.
Don Rice