Lionel Westley Key, Sr., of Salt Lake City passed away inTooele, Utah on Friday, March 12, 2021, surrounded by family at the age of 80. He was born on June 14, 1940 in Saratoga, Wyoming, the eldest of the five children of Joseph Lester and Genevieve Ledbetter Key. He had two younger brothers and two younger sisters. He graduated from Saratoga High School. Then he soon moved to Salt Lake City, Utah and started his lifelong career as a long haul trucker. He enjoyed his career which allowed him to experience many of he sights in all 48 contiguous states and Canada. He was a dedicated truck driver, working until the very day he retired at 77, as his health began to decline.
He loved working on cars and engines. His passion was turning vintage cars into Hot Rods. He worked on car models from the 1920's to the 50's and loved to share his projects at the many Carshow events. He loved to share stories and enjoyed the company of the many friends he made there. He also loved working on his semi trucks and keeping them running well.
Lionel was a charmer and was rarely lonely. During his life he married a few times. Although those relationships did not last, they brought Lionel the joy of becoming a father to four beloved children. He raised his kids to know how to work hard and taught them how to drive truck. He enjoyed water skiing, loading up the boat and taking his family to Echo Lake almost every weekend. In recent years he also found enjoyment in fishing many of the nearby lakes and streams.
Lionel is survived by his daughter: Debbie Sorenson, Mesquite, Nevada; sons: Lionel (Jamie) Key, Jr., Grantsville, Utah; Jammie Key, Herriman, Utah; Joseph (Amber) Key, Gerber, California; 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Lionel’s Life and Burial Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 20, at 3:30 pm, at the Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Rd in West Jordan. Condolences may be left at www.nicklemortuary.com