Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Keyes Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Keyes
Irma Johnson
November 5, 2008
We first met Dr. Keyes on July 14, 1953, (55 years ago). That was the day our son David Johnson was born. David had serious breathing problems, and Dr. Philip Smith called Dr. Keyes. David must have been one of Dr. Keyes' first patients.
When my husband and I met Dr. Keyes, he was wearing a brightly-colored sport shirt and looked young enough to be in high school. He knew exactly what to do for David and was David's doctor for the next twenty years.
On October 10, 1957, through a checkup, Dr. Keyes found that our daughter Rosalie (at age 4) had a Wilms' tumor (a fast growing children's cancer on her kidney). Again Dr. Keyes knew exactly what to do, and he was Rosalie's doctor for the next twenty years. Rosalie is now age 55 and has kept in touch with Dr. Keyes and Joline over these many years.
I well remember Dr. Keyes making house calls, sometimes late in the evening when our children were too ill to go to the office. His sense of humor was unbelievable. Once in our car while at a stop light, Rosalie and David (ages 5 and 3)were jumping up and down on the back seat (before seat belts were required)and laughing and laughing. Dr. Keyes was in the car behind us eating
his lunch and pretending to pour his milkshake in his ear.
My last visit with Dr. Keyes was the day he retired. I treated him to lunch at the Wharf and stopped at his office afterwards to take some pictures. After lunch he had office hours as usual, and the waiting room had several people waiting to see him.
I have been a widow since 1984 (24 years). I speak for myself and my deceased husband with gratitude and deepest sympathy to you, Joline and all the family for sharing this wonderful man with our family.
Jayne Alatza Moyer
October 21, 2008
To the family of Dr Keyes,
Dr Keyes was our family's doctor when we were kids, also. I was just telling my husband the other day about the care he gave me as a teen with acne. He felt for me and found a treatment that made it go away! My sister suffered from rheumatic fever as a 2nd grader and even though I was a few years younger , I remember Dr Keyes coming for house calls often to check up on her. He was such a nice man who cared very much. I am very sorry to hear of his passing and just wanted you to know that his life mattered to me and the care that he gave to us won't be forgotten by my family and me.
Rosalie Johnson-Fogg
October 18, 2008
Fifty-one years ago this week (I was 4 years old) Dr. Keyes saved my life, and over the years I have talked of him so often that my husband and son feel like they know him even though they never met him. I had a Wilm's tumor on my kidney which Dr. Keyes found in a routine check-up. Back then the prognosis was less than 40% survival for this children's cancer. I am still here to talk about it, and I credit Dr. Keyes for his very thorough exam and fast action in getting me into surgery to remove the kidney. He was terrific throughout my nearly month-long hospital stay (he brought pictures in that his daughter had colored for me) and afterwards made house-calls when I wasn't well. Over the years he became a dear family friend. I think I was actually in my early 20s when he told me he couldn't treat me any longer and that I'd have to finally find a doctor for "grown-ups". He had set the bar very high! I will miss knowing that he is walking this earth brightening someone's day, but I know that he will always be in so many people's hearts and minds, that that gives some comfort. Our sympathy to Joline and the family. What a great man you have shared your lives with! He will be missed by so many.
Ashli Davis
October 14, 2008
My dearest Papa. You were the best grandpa any of us children could have ever been given. I will never forget our morning adventures around the lake, exploring and going to get doughnuts or McDonalds. Those were so much fun. You have the greatest sense of humor and patience of anyone I have ever met. I remember when you used to let Keira and me get the cruches out of the attic and pretend we were hurt and you would actually let us go out in public with you and you would just play along and hold the doors open for us. You were so much fun Papa. I will never forget the fun times we had with Ayriana and how much you enjoyed baby Josiah. We all love you so much and wish there was some way you could have just lived forever. I also want to thank you for all the things you and Mams did for me througout life that no one else would have done. I hope your happy in heaven now with your family and your "Kelli Bean" on a boat in one of heavens great oceans. I love you and until we meet again you will always be in my mind and heart. Goodbye for now Papa I love you...kisses...
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Linda Zimmerman
October 14, 2008
Over twenty years ago, Dr. Keyes diagnosed my son with Hyperactivity Disorder, saving our sanity. He was so kind and gentle, I have always remembered him and so has my son. No other doctor measured up or understood children as he did. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Mary Ann Johnson
October 13, 2008
Doctor Keyes was the best. He was my Daughters and Sons Doctor. He saved my daughter from being pigeon toed when she was a year old, she is now 40. I did not have the money to pay for the special shoes she wore every night, but to him it was more important that she grew up not being pigeon toed. He gave me the shoes for free,with the promise I would have them on her feet everynight.
He was a wonderful person, and I was so lucky to have him as my kids doctor. I just wish that there were more like him. To his family you have my deepest sympathy.
Linda and Brian Sr. Lowe
October 13, 2008
Dr.Keyes was a wonderful doctor.He was great with both my childern.
Joyce Neaville
October 13, 2008
I took my children to Dr. Keyes until they thought they were to old to see a "baby Dr.". Now with kids of their own, they wished he could be their Dr..
He was a very special person and I'm sure he will be missed a great deal.
Tara Thomas
October 13, 2008
Dr. Keyes was one of the most inspiring and interesting people I have encountered in life. I was so fortunate to grow up with him in my life and will always carry his funny stories and smile with me. I thank him for touching my life as well as my children and family. He will be missed greatly but know he is smiling down on us and probably out sailing:) To Joline, you are in our thoughts and prayers and we love you.
Tara, Seth, Elle and Dalton Thomas
The Family of J. Robert Ball, M.D.
October 13, 2008
To the entire Keyes family:
Dr. Keyes and our parents were close friends and colleagues. He was also our pediatrician and friend. He was of great comfort when our father passed in 2006; it was an honor escorting him into the Church. We loved him and will keep him in our prayers and hearts, and we are delighted that he and Dad are once again clowning around in Heaven.
With love,
The Family of J. Robert Ball, M.D.
"Maggie" (Margaret J. Ball, M.D.)
Sue Ball-Allsop and Doug Allsop
Dr. J.Robert Ball II and Stephanie Ball
Nancy Ball Blake and David Blake
Kent Henschen
October 13, 2008
To the Keyes Family,
If the measure of a person is the friends made and the positive influence one has had on others lives then "Doc" was truly a great man. We would like to be there with you today to share all of the wonderful memories, but please know that Doc and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy and best wishes. Kent, Lisa, Lauren & Colin Henschen
Lee Andra Aguon
October 12, 2008
Thank you God, for Dr. Keyes! And, thanks to his family for sharing him with us.
Dick Milroy Family
October 12, 2008
To The Keyes Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Bob in Junior High and High School in Peru. We were good friends. I looked forward to our reunions;
getting together again and talk about old times.
He will be missed, but fondly remembered.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
October 11, 2008
TO THE FAMILY OF DR. KEYES--Please accept our deepest sympathy during your loss. Dr. Keyes was my son's Doctor and I will always remember how surprised he was that little ole me had a 9lb. 23 inche boy. Dr. Keyes, was the very best and he will be greatly missed by all as well as he was Loved by all. You his family were very Blessed to have been a part of his life oh how I envy you all. Please keep him and your memories of him close in your hearts and he will live on forever. May GOD Bless you all and May his Prayers sustain you in your loss..Sincere Blessings, The Wilson Family (and the 9lb .23 inche boy is now 6ft 3inches and 25 years old)
Patty, Jim, Brian and Joe vail
October 11, 2008
I was privileged to be Dr. keyes nurse for four years in Fort Wayne and again at Urgent Care in Angola.He was a fun, loving, wise and very intelligent man.He loved to teach while practicing top notch medicine.He knew how to put a a smile on everyones face. The children and parents loved Dr. Keyes. There was more than one instance that a parent would bring their "sick" child in to see the doctor and when they got there, the child would admit there was nothing wrong. They just wanted to come in and see their friend. With our own children and others, he would touch their nose and magically a beeping sound would be heard.He would be very sneaky activating his pager. We were fortunate to continue to see Dr. Keyes at Lake George. We will always remember him driving by our lake home in his big wooden inboard, "On Golden Pond". You could always hear him when he got near. My son would stand at the end of the dock when he would go by and they would both touch their nose and smile. We will all miss him!
Greg & Nicole Donay
October 11, 2008
Dr. Keyes, you will never be forgotten. What a wonderful neighbor and friend you were to those who were blessed to know you. I will never forget how you looked my first born Macy over whenever I had a concern. You will be sadly missed.
Faye & Bill schlatter
October 10, 2008
We will certainly remember Robbi's sence of humor and his laugh, what a great guy!!! He will be truly missed.
Tim Reynolds
October 10, 2008
Going to the doctor was more like going to see a friend.
Keira Davis
October 10, 2008
I love you papa. You mean the world to me. I'm going to miss you terribly.
Vera Verdon Kiefaber
October 10, 2008
I will never forget Dr. Keyes! He was my pediatrician from the time I was about 4 until I moved to Ohio at the age of 15. He always saw cats/dogs in our ears! Speaking of ears--he pierced mine in the office when I was 13. What a wonderful physician. My thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace.
Elaine Keplinger Christen
October 10, 2008
Dear, Dear Dr. Keyes,
It has been quite a long while ago that you were my pediatrician...and if I had the opportunity, you would have been my children's (and THEIR children's) pediatrician. You cared so warmly for my little brother (with very special needs) and for me (more energy that I knew what to do with). Reading an earlier entry spurred my memory of how you put all of the kids in your waiting room at ease. And we actually weren't afraid of you. :o) Thank you for the love and kindnesses that you showed to all of us when we were so young and impressionable--and when we felt just plain lousy. You treated us with gentleness, humor and respect. My mom, a nurse, was so pleased to have found you to be our physician. I only wish I would have known that you were practicing in Angola, as that is where my family moved in the late '60's. I know that there will be an especiallly wonderful place in heaven just for you, no doubt in charge of the baby angels. :o) You left this world so much better just by being in it. God bless you and keep you and your family. I send my condolences and appreciation for all of the good works you did while you were here.
Rebecca Flaherty
October 10, 2008
Over twenty years ago Dr. Keyes became the pediatrician for our two children, until his retirement. He helped us through those early years with his intelligence, kindness, and humor. We will always remember him fondly.
Mandy Jewell- Grindstaff
October 10, 2008
Dr. Keyes was my brother's and my pediatrician when we were children. He was a very caring man that made each child feel special.
I remember when he would listen to my brother's heart he would tell him, "Shh.. Do you hear those dogs barking?" My brother would always giggle. He also taught us the trick that if we ever had to see a different doctor, kick out the opposite leg when your reflexes were checked. (I actually did this once at Redi-Med and the doctor knew that my primary physician was Dr. Keyes!)
When I was in my early 20's and at Tri-State University, I injured my ankle and went to Urgent Care, I was very surprised to see Dr. Keyes. He was still the same caring doctor that I remembered from my childhood.
I am happy to say that now that I have children I have found a wonderful pediatrician for my children. My mom came to an appointment with us once and commented, "He seems like a great doctor. He reminds me of Dr. Keyes." Thank you Dr. Keyes and Thank you to his family for sharing him with us.
John Phillips
October 10, 2008
I'll never forget him "seeing" carrots in my ears as a child. He set the bar way up there for pediatricians, both for how he treated the kids and their parents.
Temple Gagni
October 10, 2008
We love you and will miss you terribly.
Temple & family
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Keyes's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Keyes
Funeral services provided by:
D. O. McComb and Sons - Lakeside Park1140 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
People and places connected with Robert
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Keyes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
