Jr. Robert L. Hayes

Mr. Robert L. Hayes, Jr., 84, of Higginsville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2018. Robert is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Jones and her husband, Jon; his son, Ron Hayes; his two granddaughters, Ashley Brown and Mattison Hayes; and his sister, Mary Ellen Blankenship. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Ila; his brother, Jerry Hayes; and his parents Robert Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Hayes.

Robert, or Bob as he preferred to be called, was born September 4, 1933, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and graduated in 1952 from Big Spring High School in Texas. His college education at Texas A&M University with a major in geology was interrupted by his being drafted into active duty service in the U.S. Army as Specialist 5 Robert Hayes from 1955-1957. This was followed by two years of active reserve and two years of inactive reserve, then an honorable discharge upon fulfilling his duty to our country.

On the bus trip to depart for the flight to Korea, Bob was commandeered by the 2 star general of Fort Riley, KS to remain behind to fulfill a position on his base. Bob's expert typing skills afforded him a position as a personnel clerk despite extensive occupation duty training for a trip to Korea to man a 105mm Howitzer. Bob served the remainder of his time at Fort Riley and on weekends was free to go to the USO in Topeka where he met his future wife Ila.

Bob continued his college education at the University of Kansas, finishing with a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry. Bob was employed for many years by IMCO Container Company in Kansas City as a screen ink chemist. He holds several patents for screen inks. His leisure time was spent playing golf, fishing at James A. Reed Wildlife Preserve, collecting paper currency and coins. He remained close with his army buddies who all met their wives while in the service together. He enjoyed the final year of his life living with his daughter and her family on their 14 acre property in the country.

Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, at Park Lawn Chapel, 83rd Street, at Hillcrest Road. Following visitation, friends and family will gather at 10:00 a.m. for a graveside service with military honors in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to John Knox Village Hospice House or to the charity of choice.

Graveside Service: 10AM, Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Memorial Park Cemetery

Visitation: 9-10AM, Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Park Lawn Funeral Home