Timothy Clarence Kingsley of Hays, Kansas died in his home on July 22, 2026 after a courageous two-year battle with both throat and lung cancer.
Tim was born November 27, 1955, in Hays to David Mahlon and Addie B. (nee Skelton) Kingsley of Ellis, Kansas. He was proud of his farming roots, and claimed the land on Munjor Rd., south of Ellis, as both his home and his responsibility to steward the land.
Tim was a born farmer, and grew up working the land and raising cattle. For many years, he did these things before and after his school day, while also earning the marks indicative of a true scholar. This way of life was in his blood until the very end. The family farm south of Ellis was always his happy place as well as his place of duty to the land and livestock. He dedicated much of his life to the pursuit and sustainability of farming in Ellis County. The dedication led to a lifetime of support of the 4-H community along with other organizations that work to shape the future of farming.
Tim also proved to be a master tradesman. After a short time in the oilfields, he sought a more local work life. He ultimately ended up in the world of home improvement. To be clear, he is not Tim the Tool Man, despite every indication. Thousands of Hays and the rest of Kansas homes are better because Tim Kingsley touched them. His decades of time as an employee, manager and owner of Home Steel Siding and Windows shaped the local housing community for the better. He was also a model employer, making every one of his team member's lives better as a model servant leader.
The true love of Tim's life was his wife, Lilly. They met in the summer of 1973 in Hays. Many social situations such as Rock Haven concerts and Main Street weekends had them cross paths. One evening, Tim finally mustered the courage to say "hi" to the pretty brunette he had his eyes on. One date turned into many, and their time in Fort Hays State Greek life only added to their story.
Tim and Lil's family took shape from 1981 to 1985 as they welcomed Josh, Rachel and Erica. The kids grew up with an example of commitment, propriety and work ethic, but also in a place of love as their parents showed them what true partnership looks like. Tim's family grew as his grandchildren, Alex, Ike, Vivian, Bridget and Carter joined the fun. He deeply loved his grandchildren.
Tim always loved to work with his family. The earliest instances include raising chickens and 4-H project bucket calves. It later became Sundays at the family farm. Later it included hanging siding with Josh, having Rachel on his accounting team for Home Steel, and working with Erica on her tractor and riding lawn mower driving skills. Tim also brought Lil into his home improvement world as they worked on housing flip projects. Their greatest project was the one closest to Tim's heart and home on the family farm. The Roost is a 1930's limestone chicken house converted to a cabin. It is a perfect nod to history and modern day, and also a perfect combination of Tim's building and Lil's artistic visions.
Tim is survived by Lilly Kingsley, his loving wife of almost 50 years. He is also survived by his loving children: Josh Kingsley (Misty) of West Allis, WI, Rachel Loving (Shane) of Ellis, and Erica Hedge (Andrew) of Fort Collins, CO, his adoring grandchildren: Alex Loving of Hastings, NE, Ike and Bridget Loving of Ellis, and Vivian and Carter Kingsley of West Allis, WI, his dear brother, Roger Kingsley (Jody) of Ellis, and his sister-in-law, Debbie Kingsley of Hays. He is also survived by his nephews Brad Kingsley (Rebekah) and children of Bentonville, AR and Austin Fickel of Branson, MO. Additionally, Tim is survived by the extended Kingsley, Walters and many other families who will miss him dearly.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents and eternal neighbors, Mahlon and Addie B. Kingsley and his brother Doug Kingsley.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Schenk Building on the Ellis County Fairgrounds with Deacon John Walters officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ellis. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the Schenk Building. A vigil service and Rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to HaysMed Foundation for the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, Ellis County 4-H Council, or to HaysMed Hospice. Condolences and memories of Tim may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com