Robert "Bob" Dale Keyes

Of Jackson, MI passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at the age of 86.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Walt and Helen (Wisniewski) Keyes; siblings Helen (Wayne), Walt, Ray (Rosie), Ann (Jack), Tom (Joyce), Gerrie (Jim), Richard (Lynn) and Ron; Father and Mother in law Ted and Helen L'Huillier, brother and sister in laws Louise, Helen, Gene, Paul (Rosie), Anne, Dave (Char), Teddy, Tommy and John.

Bob leaves behind and is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Barbara Keyes (L'Huillier) ; children Mike (Gail) Keyes and Michelle Ostrander; grandchildren Ryan Ostrander, Kristen Keyes, Matt Keyes and Alexis Ostrander; great grandchildren Isabella and Gabriella; son in law Todd Ostrander; Brother and sister in laws Jim L'Huillier, Dan (Laurie) L'Huillier, Theresa (George) Smith, Tim (Laurie) L'Huillier; also survived by several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and his special canine companion (great grand dog) Snooki.

Bob was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan and was a 1956 graduate of Jackson High School. Bob worked part-time in the mailroom of the Jackson Citizen Patriot while he was a high school student. Prior to becoming a staff photographer he was a photofax and wirephoto machine operator. He served six months in the Army in 1960 stationed at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and was in the Army Reserves for six years.

Bob retired from the Jackson Citizen Patriot after 52 years of service.  He won numerous photography awards for the Jackson Citizen Patriot, including an Associated Press Newsphoto Award in 1982 and United Press International awards and definitely was a hard worker proving his work ethic was second to none and went above and beyond.

Bob was known by many throughout the Jackson Community whether he was a family member, friend, someone that took a picture of you or someone you know, drinking coffee at a round table with friends or drinking a beer at the bar with friends Bob was always a "Big Picture" in our community.

Bob was an avid sports fan of many sports especially College Football (Notre Dame), Baseball (Detroit Tigers), NCAA Basketball, softball, golf and the list goes on and on.

Bob's hobbies included gardening, reading the newspaper, watching his grandchildren play sports, coffee with his buddies, driving around looking for garage sales and driving around town seeing how things have changed through the years.

Bob is definitely in heaven singing to his wife his favorite song "You Were Always On My Mind" (Willie Nelson) and is probably listening to his loving wife sing to him "Stand By Your Man" (Tammy Wynette).

As a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church Bob was active in putting together their Centennial Anniversary Pictorial Yearbook.

Bob will fondly be remembered for the love of his family and friends.  He is probably sitting around a round table right now sipping coffee in heaven with many of his coffee buddies that passed on before him.

Per his wishes Bob has been cremated through Desnoyer Funeral Home and burial will take place at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. A Celebration of his Life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Mary Star Of The Sea Catholic Church and School or Jackson Lumen Christi High School and Jackson Lumen Christi Athletics.