It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Don L. Keys, of Wilmington, OH on March 20, 2025, at the age of 86. Don was born on October 3, 1938 in Martins Ferry, Ohio to Betty Jane (nee: Burley) and Andrew Sutak. He was a longtime resident of Lebanon and Wilmington Ohio.

Don is preceded in death by his mother Betty Jane Fox, stepdad Earl Fox, son Kelly Keys, sisters Gracie Keys-Bevins, Lois Bennett and brother Kess Keys.

Don is survived by the love of his life of 37 years, wife Jayne Keys, children Shelly Philbin, Jaymi Cordell (Greg), Scott Sudman, grandchildren Austin Keys, Dillon Philbin (Julia), Ashley Hammond (Chris), Haley Spohr (Adam), Kenzie Sudman, Kassidy Sudman, Jackie Walker (Austin), Jerkia Ledford (Brandon), Scott Sudman, Stone Sudman, AJ Cordell, Jayce Cordell, 7 Great-Grandchildren, one on the way and many dear friends. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and community involvement will remain a lasting memory for all who knew him.

Don's legacy is defined by his commitment to his family, his passion for sports, and his dedication to his community. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1956 and went on to serve his community in various ways. After 34 years of service, Don retired from the United States Postal Service, where he worked as a clerk. In 1983, he embarked on a new adventure, founding and operating D.K. Trophies with the help of his devoted wife Jayne, a business that continued to serve the area for many years. He started his second career as a Softball Director at Armco Park for 25 years.

Don was an avid lover of softball, starting his career in 1958 as a first baseman with NCR and the Middletown Post Office teams. He played well into the 1990s with several local teams, including the Lebanon Bombers, Kendrick's Movers, and Meek's Construction. But Don's contribution to the sport went far beyond the field. He was a passionate manager of local teams like Kendrick Movers, Little Horse, Fred Kibby, Kings, Woody's Pub, LL Conger Construction and Oswald-Hoskins to name a few. Don was also an umpire, sponsor, park manager, and director at Armco Park, where he played a pivotal role in making the park the amazing recreational facility it is today.  Don and his wife also founded one of the area's first indoor softball leagues. Don's vision brought in the top teams from the surrounding area to play this new innovative indoor sport. His remarkable career in softball, which spanned decades, also included coaching and managing numerous teams, with victories in several county championships and an estimated 1400 career wins. Don loved his softball family and thought of them as his own kids. They often called him pops, pappy, or DK.

Don was honored for his dedication to the game when he was inducted into the USSSA Softball Hall of Fame in 2015, Butler County Softball Hall of Fame in 2015, and named a "Legend of the Game" by USSSA Southwest Ohio in 2008. His sportsmanship, leadership, and influence on the local softball community were unmatched, and his legacy will live on in the many athletes and teams he mentored.

Beyond softball, Don was a passionate coach in various sports. He dedicated countless hours to coaching men's recreational basketball, youth basketball, baseball, football, and softball for the children of Warren County. His work impacted countless young athletes, teaching them not only the skills of the game but the importance of teamwork, discipline, and respect.

Don was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Reds and American Flyer trains. His favorite spot to be was on the sideline cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at their sporting and school events. His true love and his passion was his family.

Don was also an active member of several local organizations, including the Elks, Lebanon JC's, and Chester Friends Church. He took great pride in organizing and running the Hoop Shoot Tournament, which became a cherished community event.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM with a funeral service on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM, all at the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home with family and friends invited to celebrate Don's life and the impact he made on his community. Pastor Steve Tufts officiating. Interment will immediately follow in New Burlington Cemetery.

Don's life was a testament to the power of hard work, love for the game, and dedication to others. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.