Robert Bobby Clay Shouse
Robert Bobby Clay Shouse, 77, a pillar of the Berea Community and beloved patriarch, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, after a short illness, with his loving family by his side.
Born in Berea on Feb. 4, 1948, to the late Elmer and Sarah Shouse, Bobby was a lifelong resident whose roots in the community ran deep. After graduating from Berea High School in 1966, he answered the call to serve his country and was drafted into the United States
Army at the age of 20. His years of proud, stateside service were a testament to his quiet patriotism. Professionally, he was a dedicated employee at Lance for many years and
was the original founding owner of Trophy World Sports, a business that perfectly blended his work ethic with his love for athletics. Few things brought Bobby more joy than the world of sports. He was a diehard fan with an unwavering loyalty to his Kentucky Wildcats, Cincinnati Reds, and Cincinnati Bengals. But his love for the game was most profoundly expressed not as a spectator, but as a mentor. This passion led him to become a cornerstone of youth athletics in Berea, where he dedicated years to coaching basketball, baseball, and football. His impact is forever etched in the community through his role as a founding member of the Berea Youth
Football League (1989), the Berea Optimist Basketball League (1990), and the Southern Madison County chapter of the Babe Ruth Baseball League. A moment of immense pride was in 1985, when he coached the Berea Senior League Baseball All-Stars to a state championship victory; a memory cherished by all involved.
Yet, for all his passion for sports, Bobby’s greatest and most cherished legacy was his family. His love for them was unmatched. He was a devoted father to his five children, who are left to carry on his legacy: Robert Robbie Shouse (Monica) of Richmond, Derek Shouse (Kimberly) of Berea, Ryne Shouse of Berea, Branden Shouse of Nicholasville, and Kaylee Shouse of Nicholasville.
His role as Papaw brought him untold joy, and he leaves behind eight adoring grandchildren: Easten Shouse, Lexi Shouse, Zachary Moore, Austin Moore, Addison Shouse, Rylan Cox, Grayson Cox, and Bronson Cox. His heart had even more room for two bonus grandchildren, Jared Long and Heather Smith. His legacy continues to grow with his great granddaughter, Raylee Prewitt, and two bonus great-grandsons, Weston and Shepherd Long. He is also survived by his brother, Junior Shouse, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Bobby is now reunited in death with his parents, Elmer and Sarah; his brother, Donald Wayne Shouse; and his infant son, Kyle Ray Shouse. The family invites friends and community members to celebrate Bobby’s life. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Lakes Funeral Home in Berea. Funeral Services will be conducted by Rev. Stephen Hobbs and Rev. Randy McPheron on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at noon at Lakes Funeral Home.
Burial with military honors will follow at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville.
Serving as pallbearers will be Easten Shouse, Zachary Moore, Austin Moore, Tony Shouse, Dalton Howard, and Jared Long. His additional grandchildren and great-grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to help offset burial expenses.
