Robert Eugene Hays, 71 years old, died Sunday, January 27, 2008 at Manor Care Assisted Living in Overland, Kansas. Robert was born in Vinita to Rutherford A. (Bud) and Hazel A. (Smith) Hays on May 22nd, 1936. He lived in Vinita and Bernice for many years. Robert was baptized in the Vinita Church of Christ. He graduated from Bluejacket High School in 1954. He entered the United States Air Force following graduation and served four years at Travis Air Force Base in California. Robert was married to Lynn Ballard from 1973 to 1983. He partnered with his brother in Hays Leasing for a number years, and then trucked for Willis Shaw for over 20 years. He retired following a stroke in 2001, and four years ago he went to live with his daughter in Overland Park, Kansas. Survivors include: his daughter, Michelle Anderson of Overland Park, Kansas, a son, Robert E. Hays, Jr. of Bonita Springs, Florida, granddaughter, Gabriel Anderson of Overland Park, Kansas, sisters; Almeta Robertson and husband, Ima Jean Halstead and Blake, Erma Raven and husband Bill all of Bernice; brothers: Ray Hay, Lee Roy Hays and wife, all of Vinita. Preceding him in death were his parents, brother John Hays, sisters, Laura Ann Heltzel, and Ruby Beasley. The memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, February 11, 2008 at the Bernice Baptist Church, with Pastor Henry "Skip" McClain officiating. The final resting place will be at the Pheasant Hill Cemetery near Vinita. Arrangements in Kansas were by the Heartland Cremation Society, local arrangements are by the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita.
Service Details
Monday, February 11th, 2008 7:30pm, Bernice Baptist Church
Interment Details
Pheasant Hill Cemetery