Danny Forrest Kays, 73, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 6, 1953, in Mount Carmel, the son of Delmar and Elinor (Driggs) Gidcumb.
Danny will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who meant the world to him. He found great joy in the simple things, especially sitting on his front porch and spending time with his beloved dog, Molly. Danny also enjoyed working on derby cars and was an avid sports fan. He especially loved cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers.
Danny will be remembered by his loving companion, Jane Buttrum; children, Stephen Kays, Scotty Kays, Bobbie (Amy) Windle, Kelly (Scott) Hurt; grandchildren, Makenzie Kays, Rylee Kays, Scotty Kays, Jr., Jeff Windle, Hank (Patty) Windle, Megan Jackson, Emily Hurt, Hailie (Thane) Tingley; siblings, Linda Jones, Rebecca (Tom) Hammond, Teresa (Jim) Taylor, Denise Ramero, Debbie (Norman) Churchill; many loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and several cousins.
Danny was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila Kays; infant son, Daniel Bailey Kays; his parents; brother, Thomas Gidcumb; nephews, Joshua Churchill and Travis Ramero; nieces, Nadina Taylor and Ashanti Romero; brother-in-law, Marvin Jones; and special friend, Eric Delong.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Vaughn Courter officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Bellmont, IL.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Danny’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Kays family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
