Bob R. Hayes, 96, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 9:45 pm April 11, 2022, at Stonebridge Healthcare Home in Benton, Illinois.
He was born October 18, 1925, in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late Clarence “Doc” and Effie (Mitchem) Hayes. Bob married Betty Lou (Thomas) Hayes on October 9, 1943, in Saint Louis, Missouri. They were blessed with seventy-six years of marriage before she preceded him in death on September 8, 2020.
Bob is survived by his children, Mike Hayes and wife, Julie of Sesser, Nancy LeGrand and husband, John of Conway, South Carolina, and Bobby Hayes of Jacksonville, Florida; eight grandchildren, Rob Hayes and wife, Kim of Jacksonville, Florida, Amy Phillips and husband, Tim of Jacksonville, Florida, Derek Alvis and wife, Sara of Benton, Kaitlynn Pulliam and husband John of Benton, Jennifer LeGrand-O’Brien and husband, Steve of Charleston, South Carolina, Bobbi Dawn Inabnit and husband, Davis of Conway, South Carolina, Mandy Evans and husband, Todd of Mount Vernon, and Lindy Lansdowne and husband, Kyle of Mount Vernon; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and son-in-law, Jim Payne of Mount Vernon.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Peggy Payne. Mr. Hayes proudly served his country in the United States Army in WWII. Bob worked for Bunny Bread as a salesman for thirty-two years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #141 and V.F.W. Post #1376. Bob enjoyed fishing and woodwork. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan and Mount Vernon Rams Fan. Bob was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and he will be greatly missed.
A private graveside service will be held. Memorials may be made in Bob’s honor to the Autism Society of Southern Illinois in Carbondale. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
