Nicholas Murray Key, age 78 of Marceline, died Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at his home. Murray was born in Jonesburg on February 14, 1946 to Nicholas Longfellow Key and Marjorie Lucille (Diggs) Key. He married Linda Littrell on August 3, 1968 and she survives him.
Murray was a graduate of Montgomery County R-II High School in 1964 and a 1968 graduate of Kirksville State Teacher College with a Bachelor of Education. He taught one year in Kansas City, Kan., before being drafted into the United States Army. After the service he worked for four years as an oil jobber with Littrell Brothers Oil Company, then for Ozark National Life Insurance for 27 years as he was teaching. He worked at Macon County R-IV for 26 years, teaching math and coaching track, then at Fr. McCartan School for eight years as a math and history teacher, and lastly coached golf at Marceline R-V for a year. He was a member of the United Church of New Cambria, VFW of Marceline and American Legion of Callao and a volunteer firefighter at New Cambria. Murray was never without a smile and never missed his kids or grandkids’ events. He loved attending them all.
He is survived by his wife Linda Key of the home in Marceline; daughters, Denise Kussman and husband Patrick of Marceline, Jodi Key of the home in Marceline; three granddaughters, Abbey, Sarah and Katey Kussman; sister, Sara Jo (Sally) Swenson and husband Dennis of Hoover Heights, Missouri; brothers, David L. Key and wife Mary of Troy, Leslie R. Key and wife Julie of Mexico (Audrain County), Russell L. Key of Ankeny, Ia., brother-in-law Bill Littrell and wife Carol of Brookfield; aunt, Martha Shelton; and multiple cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Sara Renee Key; and mother and father-in-law Lina and Virgil Littrell.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on March 23 at the United Church of New Cambria. Burial with military honors will be in the New Cambria Cemetery. Visitation was on March 22 in Marceline. Memorials may be made to the New Cambria Cemetery and mailed to 1720 N. Missouri Ave., Marceline, MO 64658.
