Dennis Raymond Keyes, 78, of Albion, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home on June 16, 2025. He was born on October 28, 1946, in Fremont, Ohio. Dennis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. After graduating from Fremont Ross High School in 1965 where he played football for the Little Giants, Dennis went on to The College of Wooster where he majored in physical education, was a captain on the football team, a member of Phi Sigma Alpha, and was named “Mr. Wooster.”
Dennis devoted his career to helping others: first, working with individuals with developmental disabilities and then spending the majority of his career working with at risk youth, most notably, at Starr Commonwealth in Albion. He earned his master’s degree in counseling from Eastern Michigan University. He was a fierce advocate for social justice and loved a good debate.
Dennis married his college sweetheart, Barbara. They shared just under 54 years of marriage. Dennis’ greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, whether watching the Lions play on Sunday or planning a trip to Cedar Point. You could never miss his voice when he cheered on his children and grandchildren while they were swimming, playing football, playing hockey, or dancing. He was a jack of all trades who could fix or build just about anything and loved “managing” projects.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, their children Aaron (Amy) Keyes and Kristen (Nathan) Cook; five grandchildren, AJ, Austin, Isabella, Colin, and Laila; his sisters Nancy (Joe Grandjean) Keyes, Teressa (Gary) Greene, and sister-in-law Sharon (Dennis) Kimmell. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Keyes.
A private memorial service for family will be held followed by a Celebration of Life at the Albion Malleable Brewing Company on August 3 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. For those who wish to honor Dennis’ memory, donations can be made to The College of Wooster Fighting Scots Fund https://wooster.edu/give/fighting-scots/ (checks to The College of Wooster, 1189 Beall Ave., Wooster, OH 44691, ATTN: Advancement in Memory of Dennis Keyes) or to the Albion Community Foundation Youth Fund https://albionfoundation.org/donate/ (checks to Albion Community Foundation, PO Box 156, Albion, MI 49224).
Dennis was an honorable man who will be sorely missed by his friends and family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
