Robert A. Kays

Robert Allen “Blade” Kays, left this earth at the age of 61, on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at his home in Bethalto, Illinois.  Born May 30, 1954, in Lebanon, he was the son of Clifford G. & Sara S. (White) Kays.  He graduated from Frankfort High School in 1972.

His devotion to his family and passion for all things artistic will live on. His life was immersed in the musical community from an early age and that would be his lifelong legacy.  He was the most loyal and loving son, father, and friend that anyone could lean on.

Robert was blessed with two children, Cori Kays, and Mercedes (Steve) Greenwood.  His two granddaughters, Addison and Zoey, were his entire world.  With every person he met, he would start talking about them, and his smile would light a room at the mention of their names.

Robert was caring and compassionate at heart. He worked many years as a social worker, with the later part of his career specializing in those with Autism.  He was generous and opened his house to anyone, person or animal.  The gate to the back yard was always open, and the grill fired up, ready to feed the neighborhood.  He will be dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace.

In addition to daughter and granddaughters, Robert is survived by his brother, Curt; his sister, Cathy, and his beagle, Zoey.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Cori, and his brother, Jason.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Sunday, March 13, 2016, at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort, Indiana, from 12:00 p.m. to the start of the memorial service at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Chuck Williams will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Robert’s name may be made to the family so that they may pay it forward.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.