Louis Ted Keys

Louis Ted Keys of Haughton, Louisiana passed away on February 13, 2024 at the age of 63.

Ted was born in Dallas, Texas on August 31, 1960. He graduated from Sulphur High School and went on to obtain his Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University.

Ted loved his engineering work at Delta Controls where he was a dedicated employee of 36 years. He was a problem solver and innovator who used his expertise to write many regulatory standards for industrial instrumentation in his field.

His love of electronics extended beyond work, and he was often tinkering with robotics in his shop. He repaired thousands of electronic saxophones over the years. He was passionate about music and very involved in church and community big bands. He used his beautiful voice to serve as the weekly song leader at Airline Drive Church of Christ for 13 years. While he primarily played the flute, he was often seen playing a synthesized electronic wind instrument alongside his friends in the traditional orchestra.

Ted was known for his kindness, generosity, and mischievous sense of humor. He was a deep thinker who had the humility to review the evidence and change his mind. He was unashamed to share the depth of his feelings and his friends were delighted to witness his joy. He loved science, chemistry, and blowing things up in his backyard.

He is survived by his wife Tracie Gaylene (Hale) Keys, whom he married nearly 44 years ago on February 28th, 1980. He is also survived by his daughters, Heather Elaine Keys Matthews and Lara Keys Beal, by his granddaughters Victoria Ryan Matthews, Genevieve Rose Matthews, and Autumn Elise Beal, and by his brother Michael Wayne Keys.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis Wayne Keys and Patricia Ruth (Carr) Keys.