Keith B. Roys, Sr., 95, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Lenoir Woods, surrounded by family. He was born on March 25, 1931, in Winfield, Kansas, to Reuben and Lydia (Litke) Roys.

Keith graduated from Olympia High School in Olympia, Washington. He continued his education at the University of Washington, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Recreation and a Master's degree in Physical Education. He went on to receive his Doctorate degree from the University of Illinois. A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Keith believed deeply in the power of education and dedicated his life to inspiring others.

Keith met the love of his life, Sylvia Esther Schimelfining, while attending the University of Washington. The two were united in marriage on March 25, 1954, and shared an extraordinary 72 years together. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Keith proudly served his country in the United States Navy. During his military service, he attended flight school and was stationed in San Diego before receiving his honorable discharge at the end of the Korean war. He remained deeply patriotic throughout his life and was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He served as the President of the M. Graham Clark Chapter in 2008 and 2009.

Keith joined the faculty at the University of Missouri in 1966, where he established the University's Parks and Recreation program, and where he served as a full professor and his influence reached generations of students, many of whom remember him not only for his knowledge but for his kindness, encouragement, and genuine investment in their success.

A man of steadfast faith, Keith was a devoted member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Columbia. His quiet strength, servant's heart, and Christ-centered life were evident to all who knew him. He enjoyed playing mah jongg, Mexican train dominoes, and playing cards with his family and friends from church.

Keith was a big fan of music from the Big Band era and early in their marriage took Sylvia to the Naval Air Station Coronado officer's club to eat and dance to music from Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and others from that era. Keith enjoyed going on Boy Scout campouts and canoe trips with his son, and swimming with his daughter at Southwest Swim Club. He loved going to the beach, especially Seaside, Oregon, and Torrance, California, where he would fly kites and help his family find shells and sand dollars. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and delighted his grandchildren with a variety of magic tricks.

Keith is lovingly survived by his children, Keith B. Roys, Jr. and Vicki (Chris) Waterman, both of Noblesville, Indiana; his cherished grandchildren, Joshua, Micah, Erin, Amanda, and Greg Roys, and Rebecca, Luke, Elizabeth, Mary, and Abigail Waterman; eleven treasured great-grandchildren; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sylvia Esther Roys; his parents, Reuben and Lydia Roys; and his brother, Frank Roys.

Keith will be remembered for his unwavering faith, remarkable dedication to education, love for his family, and the lasting impact he made on the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of Keith's life will be held on July 9th at 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel at Lenoir Woods. Private burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism by calling their Office of Gift Processing at 573-882-5154.

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