Marcus Keyes, age 84, died peacefully on Nov. 28 with his wife, Glenda, by his side.
Mr. Keyes was born on Feb. 25, 1939, in Bantry Bay, Ireland. He was the fourth of five children born to Raphael P. Keyes and Brigid (O’Sullivan) Keyes.
Mr. Keyes is survived by his wife of 32 years, Glenda Struss-Keyes; sisters-in-law Patsy Keyes and Mary Ann (Struss) Toms; nephew, Ralph (Eileen) Keyes; grand-niece, Rachel (Sam); grand-nephew, Michael (Andrea). He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Falkna (died in infancy), Michael, Raphael, and Caít.
Mr. Keyes was ordained a priest in the Missionary Society of St. Columban in 1963. After a short period of time in England, he was missioned in the Philippines until 1989, excluding five years in which he served as a counselor in the international headquarters of the Columban Fathers. While assigned in the Philippines, Marcus met Glenda, who was serving as a Columban Sister. The final four years of their time in the Philippines was a period of intense militarization and suffering.
After a period of discernment, Marcus and Glenda were married in 1991. During his year of discernment, Mr. Keyes was invited by Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell to serve in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, where he established within the diocese the Office of Justice-Peace-Integrity of Creation (JPIC). When he married Glenda, he invited her to serve as co-director of JPIC. From 2001 until 2010, Mr. Keyes headed the Glenmary Commission on Justice and Peace for the Glenmary Home Missioners.
Mr. Keyes often explained that earth is the context of our faith and our work for peace and justice. In his dying days, he found the strength to utter as well as to write the words, “I am an internationalist.” He gestured with his arms in an all-encompassing circle to signify that his identity was attached to the totality of life. He was loved for his genuine warmth, charm, and gift of storytelling. He was respected for his skill at using thoughtful questions to guide and assist individuals and groups facing important matters and decisions.
Mr. Keyes was a devoted family member who made it a point to keep strong connections with all his first, second, and even third cousins. He was a loyal and trusted friend to many around the world.
Mr. and Mrs. Keyes have resided at Narrow Ridge for nearly 20 years. They have been members of St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish since its store-front days in Maynardville.
Following a visitation with family and friends on Dec. 1 at St. Teresa of Kolkata Church, a funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Teresa on Dec. 2, with a burial service following the Mass at the Narrow Ridge Natural Burial Preserve in Washburn. A gathering of friends and family was then held at Narrow Ridge’s Strawbale Lodge in Washburn.
Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Keyes’ honor to the Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center at https://narrowridge.org.
