Robert L. Kays

Robert L. Kays VIRGINIA BEACH - On Feb. 17, 2009, retired Cmdr. Robert Lowell Kays took his final flight. A native of Tiffin, Ohio, he was born to John and Elsie Lowell Kays March 31, 1922. He was a kind and generous extrovert whose Christian faith and good humor guided him. He graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1945, and served on the USS Mobile in the Pacific during World War II. An aviator and intelligence officer, his service took him to Cuba, Sicily, France and Trinidad, as well as Washington, D.C., Norfolk and Pensacola. Retiring in 1970, he raised flowers for seed producers and planted gardens at the Experimental Research Station, where his legacy of horticulture work still grows. He served as an elder at Bayside and Oakdale Presbyterian churches. Surviving him are his wife of 57 years, Patricia Mickelsen Kays; daughters, Katherine Brlej and husband Mark of San Diego, Elizabeth Kays and husband Mark Dunlevy of Nags Head; son, John Kays and wife Cindy of Virginia Beach; and grandson, Morgan Fitzpatrick of Kill Devil Hills. His brother, Jack Kays of Edgewater, Fla., also survives him as do many nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held in Oakdale Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Odyssey Hospice or Alzheimer's Association are encouraged. Inurnment in Arlington National Cemetery is planned.