Keith L. Hayes

DEBUT: APRIL 23, 1961

FINAL BOW: JANUARY 14, 2024

Keith Levon Hayes, born on April 23, 1961, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was the youngest of nine children born to the late Robert F. Hayes Sr. and Nadine Whitlock Hayes. He was raised in Indianapolis, attended Elder Watson Diggs School #42 and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School, ranking in the top 10% of his class. Keith professed his belief in Christ and was baptized at First Baptist Church North Indianapolis and was a member of Restoration Baptist Church. During his childhood Keith participated as a cub scout in the Boy Scouts of America and loved making money as a newspaper carrier. In high school he played tennis, was on the varsity team all four years, was a four-year letterman and won the city championship in the double's competition.

Keith attended Indiana University, earning a B.A. degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. While at IU Keith studied classical voice, in the Margaret Harshaw technique, under the training of Mr. Kevin Maynard. He also performed as a member of the IU Soul Revue, IU Choral Ensemble and with the Voyage Band.

Keith was a physically striking man with a big personality and an even bigger heart for giving and service. He lit up every room he entered, either through his singing or his conversation. He had an infectious sense of humor that required you to be prepared to be either the subject of one of his jokes or to double over in laughter. With Keith, you would be wise to have your phone off-speaker if others were within earshot, or if with him in public, be prepared to quickly and appropriately manage your reaction to a hilarious (or sometimes crude or cheeky) joke or an observation he would make about the people and surroundings.

Keith was multi-talented and trained and used his gifts in many capacities. He worked in pharmaceutical sales, managed his own job placement company and later in life worked in home healthcare and healthcare customer service. If you ever attended one of Keith’s social gatherings, you were treated to not just a feast for the ears but also a feast for the taste buds, courtesy of his exceptional culinary skills. But

Keith was best known for his gifts and talents as a singer. Keith was blessed with a four-octave range, a rarity for male singers. He serenaded audiences locally and nationally as the featured vocalist preceding keynote speakers, including Presidential candidate Barack Obama, M.L. King III, Rev. Bernice King, Maya Angelou, Dr. Benjamin Hooks and Dr. Gary Oliver. Keith also shared his vocal gift at many community events and celebrations, including numerous performances with the Indianapolis Symphonic Orchestra and Choir, Duke Ellington’s Sacred Works Program, Indiana State Democratic Convention, the Crispus Attucks Bobby Jones Gospel Retreat, National Black Caucus of State Legislators Convention, Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony of Dr. Dorothy Height, National League of City Convention and the Post Office Dedication for Congresswoman Julia M. Carson.

Keith gave his debut recital at St. Simon Catholic Church and throughout his career was the featured vocalist with myriad churches, including Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Crossroads Bible Church, Scott United Methodist Church, Cumberland Christian Church and Little Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. True to Keith’s big heart of service, through his vocal talents and quiet monetary donations, he supported numerous charitable organizations and causes, including: the Crispus Attucks Foundation, the Latino Coalition for Domestic Violence, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Optimist Club.

In his later years, Keith became a genealogy enthusiast, turning most every conversation into a quest to find a familial connection. It seemed like he wanted the whole world to be part of his already sizable family. He would often playfully, but with some seriousness, warn his many nieces and nephews that they might be dating (or married to) their cousins.

Keith was preceded by in death by his parents, Robert F. Hayes, Sr. and Nadine Whitlock Hayes; his brother, Reginald B. Hayes; and his sister, Angela D. Hayes Schaffer.

Keith is survived by his children, Keli Denise Hayes, Courtland Leavell Hayes and Cameron Lawrence Hayes, who will forever carry the melody of his legacy. His siblings, Rev. Robert F. Hayes, Jr. (Cathy M.); Dennis C. Hayes; Deborah L. Hayes; Marcia E. Cole (Melvin); Cathy J. Hayes; Elder Eric J. Hayes, Sr. (Lisa R.); his aunt, Geraldine A. Adams (John); and his uncle, William Meekins, a symphony of cousins, nieces and nephews, ensuring Keith’s spirit lives on in the harmonious tapestry of family. Here’s to a life well-lived, a life well-served with God as the head and a song that will echo through eternity.

A visitation for Keith will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church, 4701 Central Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM.

If you desire to honor Keith’s legacy of giving and service, you can make a donation to $KeithMemorial on CashApp or mail checks payable to Keli Hayes 7210 Larkshall Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250.