Leonard 'Keith' Hays

Champaign - Leonard "Keith" Hays, Jr., 77, of Champaign passed away at 4:10 PM on February 10, 2016 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on July 29, 1938 in Champaign, IL to Leonard and Mary (Heath) Hays. Leonard first married Emily Lewis with whom he had five children. He later married Linda Marie Clark on June 12, 2004 in Danville, IL. They survive. Also surviving are five children, Mary (Michael Hoag) Hays of White Heath, Robert Keith Hays of Springfield, Laura (Tommy Keller) Bollman of Urbana, Rebecca (Lorenzo) Woodard of Champaign, and Elisabeth (John) Barclay of Champaign; three step-children, James Chrzanoski of Danville, Karen (John) Hawkins of Spring Branch, TX, and Deia (Jeff) Jaskula of Danville; seven siblings, Annamary Hays, Bill (Glenna) Hays, Jane Hays, Catherine Hays, John (Jane) Hays, Jim (Debbie) Hays, and David (Pam) Hays; nine grandchildren, Chandra Foxglove, Dylan Heath, Alexsis Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Monica Rondon, Justin Rondon, Chelsea Bollman, Ellis Hoag, and Stephanie Bollman; ten step-grandchildren, Darrian Chrzanoski, Dalton Chrzanoski, Lindsey Blaker, Brittany Jordan, Zachary Blaker, Ashley Burkes, Alexis Jaskula, Jude Jaskula, John David Clark and Issiah Hawkins; a great-granddaughter, Kayleigh Diggers and five step-great-grandchildren Jett Blaker, Kade, Brantley and Madeline Blaker and Jaydyn Bolt, Keith will also be missed by his dogs, Nefertari, Princess, and Kennedy, and his cat, Tommy. He was preceded in death by his parents. Keith worked as an attorney for over 40 years and had his own law practice. He did a lot of pro bono work and currently has a case pending with the Illinois Supreme Court. Besides his work, he also enjoyed photographing Civil War era soldiers' headstones for preservation, genealogy, and camping trips with his grandsons. Keith attended and was a founding member of Faith United Methodist Church and had also been active with "Bah Humbug", Parkland Theatre and CUTC productions as a stage actor. He was involved with the local Democratic Party and liked to talk politics but also loved to cook and go sailing in his younger years. A Celebration of Life for Keith Hays will be held at 4 pm on February 27 at Faith United Methodist at 1719 S. Prospect Ave in Champaign. Pastor Sheryl Palmer and Pastor Shane Smith will officiate. Cremation rites are being accorded by Sunset's Champaign-Urbana Chapel. In accordance with his wishes please do not send flowers. Keith would like all Memorials be made to Faith United Methodist Church for the Mission Funds. Contributions can be made electronically at http://www.champaignfaith.org/. Please join Keith's family in sharing memories, photos, and video of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.