Adrian Raymaar Keys

Photograph of Adrian, obtained from his obituary by Riley Funeral Homes.

On June 23, 2020, the world lost a father and son in Adrian R. Keys, who was from rural Lanesboro, Minnesota. Adrian was a loving man who had an artistic mind and a strong spirit. He passed away at the age of 43 in at District One Hospital in Faribault, MN. 

Adrian was born on September 10, 1976 in Peoria, Illinois to his loving parents, Ray Charles Mason and Annette Keys. His loved ones describe him as a smart and hard worker with a passionate mind. After Adrian received his high school GED, he started to lend a helping hand on the family farm while also performing some welding. Alongside time dedicated to supporting his family, Adrian greatly enjoyed working on art projects. His loved ones say that they were “his favorite thing to do.” 

At the time of his death, Adrian was incarcerated at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Faribault. He had applied for an early release from prison because of COVID-19 concerns, but his application was denied. In early June, he contracted the virus. His mother Annette described to Fox 47 how, in the last few interactions she had with her son, Adrian had called her saying, “Mama, I can’t breathe.” The prison had provided him with only an inhaler that did not work, and prison officials did not answer any of Annette’s questions about her son’s health. The loving mother had to watch her healthy son, who she described as having worked out “all the time,” unexpectedly pass away because of the Minnesota prison system’s irresponsible actions. 

Nevertheless, Adrian’s family continues to cherish their memories of him. His brother, Detrick Keys, describes Adrian as someone who was “always an honest truthful man and a stand-up guy.” His step-father, Geoffrey Munger, says that, while he cannot get his son back, he hopes other incarcerated individuals receive “the best possible treatment.” 

Adrian is survived by his son, Jeremiah; mother and step-dad, Annette and Geoffrey Munger of rural Lanesboro; two brothers, Detrick and Jason Keys; girlfriend Chanel; maternal grandfather Efral Keys Sr; and host of other family members who deeply loved him. 

Our thoughts go to all of Adrian’s family and community who are mourning the loss of a vibrant and honest man. 

This memorial was written by MOL team member Anaheed Mobaraki with information from Adrian Raymaar Keys’ obituary by Riley Funeral Homes and reporting by Alex Tejada of FOX47.