Lifelong Armstrong, Missouri resident, Bob Hayes, 84, passed away at the Lodge in Fayette, Missouri on January 20, 2022.

Robert Edward Hayes was born in Armstrong, Missouri on November 26, 1937, a son to the late Samuel E. and Mary Lois (Engle) Hayes. He graduated from Armstrong High School in 1955. Upon graduation, Bob enlisted in the United State Army. He was stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky where he served in the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper. Bob was honorably discharged on December 23, 1958.  On December 22, 1956 Bob married the love of his life, Theresa “Tess” Stuart.  They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.  Bob worked for the railroad as a brakeman and conductor for 31 years up until his retirement. Bob loved golfing with his Fayette friends and fishing at their lake house in the Ozarks with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of the home, Tess Hayes; four children, Robyn (John) Wilkinson, of Des Moines, Iowa, Becky (Jim) Kurtz, of Armstrong, Missouri, Tony (Tammy) Hayes, of Burlington, Iowa, Tory (Brenda) Hayes, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Alex (Linda) Hayes, of Yates, Missouri and Ronnie (JoAnn) Hayes, of Higbee, Missouri; and one sister, Kathleen (Jerry) Wilson, of Boonville, Missouri. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one brother, William Hayes.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayette, Missouri, with Fr. Joshua Duncan officiating.  Interment will follow the service at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Hager’s Grove, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hometown Homecare or the Lodge, in care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.