Kevin Kent Kyes

Kevin was born in Springfield, IL on July 23, 1953 to Robert Henry Kyes and Marilyn (Irwin) Kyes. Kevin attended Springfield Public Schools and was a standout baseball and basketball player at Southeast High School. In 2011, Kevin’s athletic accomplishments were recognized with his induction into the Springfield, IL Sports Hall of Fame, joining his father, Robert Kyes, who had been previously inducted.

Kevin went on to play baseball and basketball at Illinois Wesleyan in Bloomington, IL, graduating in 1975. Following his time at Illinois Wesleyan, he returned to Springfield and married his longtime love, Connie, in August 1976. He began his teaching and coaching career at Williamsville High School in 1975 where he coached both baseball and basketball.

In 1981, Kevin started working at BUNN Corporation and spent the next 40 years representing the company. He had a long and distinguished career at BUNN, where he was seen as a great leader, mentor, and respected friend by everyone. While working for BUNN, his career moved him and his family to White Lake, MI, where they lived for 20 years before relocating to Birmingham in 2004.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Connie Sue Kyes; and children, Ryan Scott (Kerstin) Kyes and Casey (Jason) Kyes Greb. The love of Kevin’s life were his six grandchildren: Chase Landon Kyes (14), Cailyn Lilly Kyes (13), Camdyn Laurel Kyes(10), Connor Jason Greb (12), Carson Kevin Greb (10), and Courtlyn Jill Greb (4). Additionally, Kevin is survived by his mother, Marilyn, and siblings, Rik (Julie) Kyes and Peggy (Frank) Lynch.

Kevin lived a very active lifestyle. In recent years, he was an avid member of CrossFit, priding himself on keeping up with the younger members. Kevin’s passion was coaching and he is a legend in several places across the country — his home town of Springfield, in Michigan, and in Alabama — for his coaching efforts in soccer, basketball, and baseball. His favorite was coaching his grandchildren in baseball. He touched the lives of many young baseball players during his time spent coaching over 40 years.

Kevin was very active in his faith, attending the Church of the Highlands Greystone in Birmingham. He lived his life for his family and his motto was “always do the right thing.”

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kevin Kent Kyes’ name can be made to Transformation Ministries, 100 Missionary Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242.

The family is requesting that friends help celebrate Kevin's life by sending pictures, personal recorded messages, memories, and stories to share with the family. Please send to Connie, [email protected]. The family will be putting them into a digital memorial.