- Date Of Birth: October 18, 1940
- Date Of Death: June 20, 2009
- State: Texas
October 18, 1940 – June 20, 2009
John Henry, 68 of Boerne, Texas passed away June 20, 2009. He was born to Davis L. and Billie Rebecca Key in Lafayette, Louisiana October 18, 1940. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Charlene; daughter Wanda Kay Rudden; daughter in law Melissa Key; two sisters and one brother; seven loving grandchildren; numerous relatives throughout Texas. His son, John Howard Key, of Boerne, Texas, preceded him in death. John Henry loved his country. He was an Eagle Scout, served twenty years in the Marine Corps and was Chairman of the Kendall County Republican Party. John Henry loved to fly. He entered the United States Marine Corps in 1961 and flew three tours of combat in Vietnam as a fixed wing and helicopter gunship pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with a Silver Star, the Air Medal with twenty-six stars and numerous other commendations. He received a Purple Heart after being shot down in combat in 1968. He always explained his scars to his grandkids by saying “that”s where the Tiger bit me”. After his tours in Vietnam, he was an instructor pilot for many years. John Henry retired as a Major from the Marine Corps after twenty years of service. After leaving the Marine Corps, he earned both a Commercial Pilots and Mechanics license. He taught his son to fly and John Howard Key eventually became a Naval Aviator. John Henry loved to learn and teach. The topics varied ” from flying to world history geology, mining and family history. You name it, he knew about it. If it was something that could break, he could fix it. John Henry loved family. He met his wife, Charlene, in the Marine Corps and they were married on Halloween in 1963.
