After 4 hours of picturing the issue in my head and researching via this web site, I am happy to report that the isssue is a warn steering column ignition key lock. The back end of the key lock after thousands of turns back and forth wears out and loosens over time rending the unit inactive. Much to my chagrin, the new unit is about $300. But I can't complain since the issue happened in the comfort of my gargage. Hope this helps someone in the future.
Cheers and Happy Rovering
Cheers and Happy Rovering