Kess Keys

Kess Keys— a husband, father, grandpa, and unstoppable jokester— took his last breaths in his home just after midnight on July 26, surrounded by loved ones, including his “beautiful wife” of 55 years, Susan Keys, of Canal Winchester, OH. He was born January 15, 1947 in Dayton, OH. Kess was the son of Louis Kesterson Keys Jr. and Betty Burley Fox. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Grace Bevens and Lois Bennett, and is survived by his brother, Don Keys, and his wife, Jayne (Wilmington, OH).

 Kess and Susan raised their three daughters in Athens, OH: Tiffany Woodyard (Albany, OH), Jenny Keys (Chicago, IL), and Brandie Keys (Carroll, OH), and were incredibly proud to see them graduate from Ohio University. Their family expanded with the addition of three sons-in-law, Tim Woodyard, Jeff Rosen, and Hugh Woods. Kess was affectionately known as "Big Poppa" to Nick and Megan Arquette (Manhattan Beach, CA). He adored his five granddaughters: Taylor Boyd (26) and her husband, Kyle Boyd, who recently welcomed the first great-granddaughter, Eleanor (Powell, OH); Tess Woodyard (24); Maddy (19) & Sydney (15) Rosen and Bella Woods (15).

 Kess, a high school football champion, was inducted into the Martin’s Ferry High School Hall of Fame. His prowess as a hard-hitting lineman at Ohio University was equally impressive. He went on to own successful small businesses, including the Hideaway Lounge in Logan, OH, and Athens Business Machines. An avid fisherman, he spent many days on his boat catching walleye. As an Exalted Ruler at the Elks Lodge and a friend to many, Kess was known for his big personality, often playing pranks and coming up with nicknames like Nerd Boy, Beulla, Ace Bandage, Queenie, and Upchuckie. He was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and the inventive mind behind the peanut butter milkshake and other tall tales.

 Kess battled Alzheimer’s for over a decade, which slowly ravaged his memories and body. We are deeply grateful to his caregiver, Lesley Boulant, for her endless compassion, remarkable stamina, and joyful spirit. Kess's life will be celebrated on Saturday, August 31, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Elks Lodge in Athens, OH. Email jeffjencal@gmail.com for further event details and to RSVP.

If you wish to honor Kess’s memory, contributions to the Alzheimer's Association are encouraged to "accelerate global research, driving risk reduction and maximizing quality care and support" (www.alz.org).