Charles Irvin Key, 88, passed away Sept. 3, 2020 to enter those pearly gates that awaited this faith-filled, educated, gentle man.  His journey toward those gates began on March 8, 1932 in Fort Scott, KS.  Charles was the baby of Logan and Ruth Key's family as he joined his older siblings:  Chester, Fred, Marie, and Lorna.  His childhood and school years were spent in Hume, MO.  Upon high school graduation, he attended two years of college at Fort Scott Junior College before serving 2 years with the United States Army.  
   On his return to civilian life, he attended college and graduated from Pittsburg State University.  At this time, he began his 35-year love affair with education as a teacher in Walnut, KS.  After earning his Masters Degree, Charles taught or was a school administrator in Fort Scott, Blue Mound, and Mound City in KS; and in Butler, Harrisonville, and Lee's Summit in MO.  For 17 of those years, he served as the Elementary Principal in Greenwood, MO.
   Even though much of his life was devoted to education, his relationship with God and church remained an integral part of his Baptist upbringing.  He served many years in the First Baptist Church of Greenwood as Sunday School teacher, Director of Sunday School, and as Church Treasurer.
   His life was filled with friends and colleagues who would often accompany him on travel adventures.  Mexico vacations were among his favorite.  He also enjoyed attending musicals and performances at Quality Hill with friends.  Charles enjoyed cooking for company and eating.  A good lemon pie brought a smile to his face.  Fortunately, his bridge-playing group could squeeze eating and cards into the same evening.
   In 2004, Charles moved to Pickering Place south of Belton to live a quiet life with friends and with coffee buddies at McDonald's.  This generous and kind man will be missed by many nieces, nephews, former students, colleagues, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and all four siblings, as well as many good friends.

Funeral service will be held 11 am Monday, September 7, 2020 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel.  Burial will be in the Hume Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 10 am to service time at the Pleasanton Chapel.  Contributions are suggested to the Salvation Army.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.