Robert Brooks Kelsay Jr.

Robert Brooks Kelsay, Jr., 69, of Burlington, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, KY.

Born on January 16, 1956 in Corbin, Kentucky, he is survived by his wife of 17 years, Anchulee Kelsay of Burlington, son Jared Kelsay of Bentonville, Arkansas, daughter Jessica Joplin of Bristol, Tennessee, and grand-daughter Hadara Kelsay of Kingsport, Tennessee. Also, brothers Mark Kelsay of Florida, and Alvin Kelsay of Florida, and several nieces and nephews.

Robert was predeceased by his father Robert Brooks Kelsay, Sr. of Dayton, Ohio, mother Betty Lou Burgan Kelsay of Corbin, Kentucky, sister Denise Kelsay Loomis Black of Corbin, sister Yvonne Kelsay Hammons of Corbin, and niece Rachel Hammons of Jellico, Tn.

Robert was a 1974 graduate of Corbin High School where he played on the Corbin Redhounds football team, number 84. He joined the US Army in 1975 and was based at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii until 1978 with 25th Infantry division Tropic Lightning. He was an E-4, communications division.

Robert was hired by L & N Railroad of Corbin, KY as a lineman in 1978, and held the positions of Communications Maintainer, Chief Installer, and finally as Engineer at CSX at the time of his retirement in 2012.

He attended and was a member of Northern Kentucky Baptist Church in Lakeside Park, Kentucky.

Dad’s hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed fishing, camping, music, Kentucky basketball, and Cincinnati Reds baseball, often spending his weekends playing the bass guitar or listening to the game. His love for music was something he shared with his children, leaving a mark on us that will never fade.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 2, 2025 from 9AM-11AM until time of service at 11AM at Northern Kentucky Baptist Church in Lakeside Park, KY.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America or Northern Kentucky Baptist Church missions, causes close to Dad’s heart.

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