Theodore Keys

Psalm 90:1
“Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.”

Emeritus Pastor Theodore “Ted” Keys was born on June 8, 1942, in Lexington, Mississippi, to John “Speedball” Keys and Willie Lee Wheeler Keys. At an early age, his family relocated to Waterloo, Iowa, where he attended Logan Junior High School and East High School. During his younger years, Theodore was actively involved in sports and school activities while developing a strong sense of leadership and dedication to those around him.

At the age of twelve, Theodore united with Antioch Baptist Church, where his love for ministry and the teachings of Christ began to flourish. Even as a young boy, he displayed a remarkable desire to share the Gospel, often gathering neighborhood children and friends to hear him speak about God’s Word.

At the age of seventeen, Theodore married Ruby Redding, and from this union six children were born. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, he remained deeply committed to his responsibilities as a father and provider.

As his spiritual journey continued, Theodore accepted his calling into ministry under the leadership of Pastor Eugene Williams at Antioch Baptist Church. During that time, he faithfully served as Director of the Baptist Training Union (BTU) and assisted the Mothers Board in teaching Sunday School. These experiences laid the foundation for a lifetime devoted to serving God and uplifting His people.

In 1973, Theodore married Sarah Reed Keys, his beloved wife of 53 years and devoted companion in ministry. Together, they built a life rooted in prayer, service, compassion, and dedication to the work of the Lord.

In 1977, Pastor Keys founded Community Baptist Church in the basement of his home with only five faithful members while maintaining full-time employment at John Deere Tractor Works. Through determination, prayer, and steadfast commitment, the ministry grew into a pillar within the community, touching countless lives through preaching, teaching, outreach, and love.

Pastor Keys leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Mrs. Sarah Reed Keys; five beloved children: Terry (Shirley) Keys of St. Louis, Missouri, Coretha Montouth of Waterloo, Iowa, Rhonda (Norman) Gant of Waterloo, Iowa, Teddy (Joy) Keys of Petaluma, California, and Brian Keys of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; along with two cherished bonus daughters, Maryann Reed of San Tan Valley, Arizona, and Laura (Vincent) Unegbu of Waterloo, Iowa. He also leaves behind a treasured legacy through 46 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

He is also lovingly remembered by two brothers, John L. Fisher and Gary Keys, both of Waterloo, Iowa; and three sisters, Terry (Willie) Ross of Waterloo, Iowa, Regina (Bobby) Billings of Atlanta, Georgia, and Gloria Harris of Fresno, Texas, in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, lifelong friends, church members, and countless individuals whose lives were enriched by his presence.

Pastor Keys was preceded in death by his parents, John “Speedball” (Fannie) Keys and Willie (John E.) Fisher; his beloved daughter, Chandra Rochelle Williams; and three cherished grandchildren, Norman Carroll Gant Jr., Da’Onna Gordon, and Xavier Gordon.

Pastor Theodore “Ted” Keys will be remembered as a respected leader, devoted pastor, loving husband, caring father, and faithful servant whose life reflected compassion, humility, and genuine love for others. His teachings, example, and enduring impact will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.