Robert Kays Obituary

Robert Allen Kays (Bobby), born May 30, 1945, in East St. Louis, passed away March 3, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. He was the son of Walter Carl Kays Sr. and Corlinda Bernice Kays (Tisdal), both of whom preceded him in death.

Bobby met the love of his life on April 22, 1965 - a first date that would begin a lifetime of devotion. He married Sharon Kay Pulley on September 7, 1968, and together they built a beautiful life rooted in love, loyalty, and family. Last year marked 57 years of marriage - a testament to their deep and enduring bond.

They welcomed their first son, Ronald Allen Kays, on August 12, 1969. Their second son, James Aaron Kays, was born on September 7, 1975 - a day that made their seventh wedding anniversary even more special and coincided with his grandmother's 44th birthday. Bobby took great pride in being a father, but nothing compared to the joy he felt becoming a grandfather. His two granddaughters, Ashlyn Paige Yoakum (Kays) of Terre Haute, Indiana, and Abbie Leigh Gilliland (Kays) of Colorado Springs, CO, stole his heart at first sight. Though he never had the opportunity to meet his five great-grandchildren, they carry forward his legacy and the love of a grandfather who would have cherished them deeply.

Bobby worked at Granite City Steel until his retirement, providing faithfully for his family through years of dedication and hard work. His life, however, revolved around his faith, his church, and his church family. He found strength, purpose, and community in worship, and he lived his beliefs daily through quiet service and steadfast love.

Music filled his home and shaped the memories of those who grew up around him. The powerful voice of Mahalia Jackson often played on his record player, her gospel hymns echoing through the house. He also loved The Happy Goodman Family, especially the song "I'd Do It All Over Again." That song perfectly reflected the way Bobby lived his life - with gratitude, devotion, and no regrets. If given the chance, he truly would have done it all over again.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Kay Kays of Granite City, Illinois; his sons, Ronald Allen Kays of Collinsville, Illinois, and James Aaron Kays of Granite City, Illinois; his beloved granddaughters; five great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Bertha Mae Donahue (Kays), Walter Kays Jr., Anna Pearl Johnson (Kays), Jerry Kays, Shirley Massey (Kays), and Rosetta Zink (Kays).

On October 26, 1965, Bobby proudly joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Caribou, Maine. His service to his country reflected the same dedication and strength of character that he carried throughout his life.

Bobby will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his devotion to his family, his steady work ethic, and the gospel music that so often filled the air around him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and in the generations that follow.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.