Robert Lee Kyle, Jr.

Robert Lee Kyle, Jr., was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan on Tuesday, August 15, 1967, and entered eternal rest on November 26, 2025. He was affectionately known as “Rob,” “Big Rob,” or simply “Dad.” From the very beginning, Robert carried a big personality, a big heart, and an even bigger smile — the kind that could brighten any room he walked into.

Robert was born and raised in Benton Harbor, MI. He attended Benton Harbor Public Schools and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1985. He was a true Tiger to the core — he bled black and orange. Go Tigers. Whether he was talking sports, reminiscing about old times, or cheering on his hometown, his BH pride always showed through.

Robert moved to Lansing in the late 80’s to attend Lansing Community College, where he received an Associate Degree in Business. What began as a new chapter for education soon became the beginning of his life’s greatest story. It was in Lansing that he met and fell in love with a young lady by the name of Javeeta Hoskins. They married and from that union they had 5 beautiful children. Together they built a family full of laughter, strength, and unforgettable memories.

Anyone who knew Robert knew he loved football; specifically the Chicago Bears and the University of Michigan. He didn’t just watch football; he lived it. As a coach for the Kappa Express Youth Football League, he had the honor of coaching his two youngest sons. He poured into young people with fire, humor, and a genuine desire to see them rise. Many of his players gained far more than a coach — they gained a mentor, a motivator, and a man who believed in their potential even when they couldn’t see it for themselves.

Robert worked many jobs throughout his life, always showing up with dedication and that signature humor. In his younger years, he worked at YMCA, Kinko’s, a job he loved to joke about, especially when customers treated their copies “like they were classified documents.” Later, he built a long and respected 25 year career with the Michigan Department of Corrections, where he served with integrity, fairness, and compassion until he retired.

Outside of work and responsibilities, Robert was the life of the party. If music was playing, he was dancing. If there was a gathering, he was smiling, laughing, and turning ordinary moments into memories. He had a special gift for joy — a way of lifting people’s spirits without even trying. When Robert walked into a place, the atmosphere shifted. He didn’t demand attention; he created it.

Robert leaves to cherish his memory his five children: Christopher Hoskins of Jackson, MI; Destiny Kyle of Lansing, MI; Robert L. Kyle III of Grand Rapids, MI; and Jalen Kyle and Joseph Kyle, both of Lansing, MI. He also leaves behind two loving sisters, Yvonne (Roy) Armstead of Merrillville, IN and Lasonia Kyle of Benton Harbor, MI, and one brother Timothy Buchanan of Benton Harbor, MI.

He was a proud Godfather to Victoria Smith, Joelle King, Tyrah Daniel, and continued to be a loving son to Robert and Adrienne Hoskins. Robert also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who became family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert L. Kyle Sr.; his mother, Lynnear Sims; his brother, Antonio Kyle; his niece, Teela Eddie, and his nephew Octavion Hoskins.

We will miss his laughter, his coaching pep talks, his dancing, his boldness, and the joy he brought everywhere he went. But we take comfort knowing he lived life fully and loved deeply.