Clarence Thomas Kays

Tom was born on February 19, 1933 to Paschal and Edith L. Robinson Kays in San Diego, California. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served from 1951 to 1955 as an aerial gunner on B-29 Bombers until after the Korean War. He was later assigned as an air refueling boom operator on KC-97 aircraft. After completing his military service in 1955, Tom married Mary Frances Kerns in Tucson, Arizona. As residents of Ventura since 1968, they raised four children together. Tom worked for the Southern California Edison Company as a lineman, foreman, and estimator, retiring after 33 years.

Tom was an active servant in his community–whether he was on a ladder trimming a neighbor’s tree or ushering on Sundays at Community Presbyterian Church. A true outdoorsman, Tom loved hunting, kayaking, backpacking, and travel. He was a member of the Ojai Valley Gun Club and a scoutmaster of B.S.A. Troop 128 for four years. Most of all, Tom loved spending time with his family. We will always remember Tom picking tangerines in the backyard, feeding Steller’s jays on the patio, and telling stories from his armchair.

He is survived by his sister, Lou Ella Dryer, and her husband, Ned; daughter, Diana Duff; sons and daughters-in-law Dana and Suzanne Kays, and Darrell and Molly Kays. Tom will be dearly missed by his nine grandchildren: Matthew, Amanda(Steve), Jordan(Ashley), Sarah, Jeremy(Tara), Maddisen(Greg), Benjamin(Mike), Hanna, and Caleb. He was adored by his seven great-grandchildren: Sierra, Colton, Samuel, Benjamin, Ezekiel, Etta, and Wyatt. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary; son-in-law, John Duff; and his son, David Kays, who died in a rock climbing accident on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in 1980.

A private family service will be held in February to celebrate the life of Tom Kays. Please share stories, memories, or thoughts of Tom with the family at dignitymemorial.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Boy Scouts of America. Donations can also be made to support Community Presbyterian Church by going online at https://www.cpcventura.org/.