Dr. Kenneth Mitchell “Mitch” Kays

Graveside services will be at Eldon Cemetery, Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 10:00am. There will be visitation later that day at 2:00pm at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, Missouri with a service following at 3:00pm, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, MO.

Kenneth was born in Fortuna, Missouri to Keith Marion Kays and Margaret Anna Baker Kays on April 3, 1936. He was active in sports during school participating in basketball and track. He attended Central Methodist College earning his undergraduate degree in Biology/Pre-Med in Fayette, Missouri.

He graduated from The University of Missouri Medical School in Columbia, Missouri in 1962. Later in 1962 he completed an internship at Kansas City General Hospital. In 1963 he received a direct commission in the United States Army Medical Corps. He was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. From 1966-68 he completed a general surgery residency at St. Louis County Hospital. Upon completion he practiced general medicine in St. James and Rolla, Missouri.

Dr. Kays began his radiology residency in 1970 at The University of Missouri in Columbia. Beginning in 1971 he began private practice with Radiology, Inc. at Boone Hospital Center and Moberly Regional Hospital. He was Board Certified in Nuclear Medicine and Radiology. Dr. Kays remained board certified even after retiring to the Lake of the Ozarks with his wife of 15 years Fern S. Kays.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Margaret Kays, his sisters; Dee Dee Kays Centella, Billy Jean Kays Gunn, Patti Jo Kays Minturn, and brother-in-law Gerald “Jerry” W. Coffman.

Dr. Kays is survived by; his wife Fern S. Kays of Columbia, sister Paula Sue Kays Coffman of Eldon, his children; Peter M. Kays of Columbia, Kimberly Kays Motz and husband Dr. Cary R. Motz, of Denver, Colorado; Katherine Kays Perry of Austin, TX, Sara and David Bailey of St. Louis, Amy and John Prentzler of Kansas City. Dr. Kays’ grandchildren; Connor L. Perry and Dunovan E. Perry of Austin, TX, Carter R. Motz and Tate B. Motz of Denver, CO, Grant Bailey of St. Louis, Taylor, Anthony and Kendra Matzek, great grandson Lincoln Matzek of Kansas City.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, 2101 Vandiver Dr., Columbia, MO 65202.