David Kay, professor emeritus of English at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, died Sept. 2, 2018, at age 79.
Kay graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1961, and earned a master’s degree in 1964 and Ph.D. in 1968, both in English from Princeton. In 1966 he joined the English department at the University of Illinois.
He was a dedicated teacher of Shakespeare and other early modern English writers, with a special ability to bring out their moral concerns and literary artistry.
Kay was internationally recognized as an expert on the plays and poems of Ben Jonson and wrote an influential series of articles on Jonson and his early plays. He also wrote a biography titled Ben Jonson: A Literary Life. Actively involved in Illinois’ English department, Kay served as associate head and in other administrative roles.
Kay and his family attended the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana for almost half a century. He served in many roles, including as a deacon. He was part of the Earth Care Team, which promoted stewardship of the Earth by the church and broader community.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; two sons; and three grandsons.
Graduate memorials are written by the APGA.