Robert Delano Kees, Sr. Sr.

Robert (Bob, Poppy) Delano Kees, Sr., 89, passed away on July 25th, 2025 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio with his loving family by his side. He was born February 1st, 1936 in Collinsdale, WV to the late Homer Douglas and Leva Mae Kees. Robert was a kind and gentle, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He adored his wife Donna of 62 years, his children Robert and Rebecca, and his grandchildren Chase, Harrison, Kendall, Hayden, Grace and Tori.

In addition to his parents, Homer and Leva Kees, Robert was preceded in death by his sisters: Vada Craig, Ethel Lucas, Gladys Nichols, Nola Clements, Kathleen Lively; and brothers William (Bill) Kees and Bannon Kees.

Left to cherish his memory are: his loving wife, Donna (Helmick) Kees of Plain City, OH; son Robert Kees Jr. of Newark, OH; daughter Rebecca (Kees) Metcalf of Plain City, OH; grandchildren: Chase Metcalf, Harrison Metcalf, Kendall Metcalf of Plain City, OH, Hayden Kees, Grace Kees, Tori Griffin of Granville, OH; brother-in-law Paul Lively (Kathleen) of Oak Hill, WV; as well as many nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends. If you had the pleasure of meeting him, you loved him. We were blessed to have him in our lives and will hold his memory close to our hearts, cherishing all that we made together.

Robert was a proud Marine honorably serving our country from July 31, 1956 through August 30th, 1964 (Sergeant E-5). He relocated to Columbus, OH along with his good friend Ray Lambert in the early 60's where they remained friends raising their families together. Robert worked for Commercial Lovelace Motor Freight and was a member of the Teamsters retiring February 1st, 1986. He then went on to drive a school bus (#67) for Dublin City Schools, retiring June 12th, 1998. He then took on the job of Poppy!

Robert was a lifelong member of the VFW Post 3320 and member of the Loyal Order of the Moose 1651, both of Marysville, OH. He loved being outdoors, whether it be fishing, tinkering in his garage, mowing his grass, tending to his garden or just sitting out in the sunshine with his dog Buck. There are not enough words to express how much he meant to us and how much he will be missed. Forever in our hearts. We love you, Poppy!

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 1st, 2025 from 11AM-1PM at Ferguson Funeral Home 202 East Main Street, Plain City, Ohio 43064, where a funeral service will follow at 1 PM with Pastor Phil Conrad officiating. Interment to follow at Forest Grove Cemetery Plain City, Ohio with full military honors.

Donations in Robert's memory may be sent to: the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or online at www.heart.org/donate ; VFW of Ohio Charities 35 E. Chestnut St. Suite 508, Columbus, Ohio 43215; or a charity of your choice.

Please visit www.fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com to share a special memory. Ferguson Funeral Home Plain City, Ohio is honored to care for the Kees family.