Robert Hays

Robert G. Hays, 90, of Keokuk, IA died Sunday, October 16, 2011 at the River Hills Village in Keokuk, IA. He was born January 7, 1921 in Keokuk, IA the son of Homer and Elva Belle Trimble Hays. He was united in marriage to Frances Arlene Lawson in 1952 in Keokuk, IA. She preceded him in death in May 1974. He then married Joan Marshall on June 6, 1975 in Hamilton, IL. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Scott Hays and his wife Julie of Keokuk, IA and Rex Hays of Overland Park, KS, one daughter, Lynn Carter and her husband Glenn of Montrose, IA, three step-sons, Stephen Marshall of Union Grove, WI, Kenneth Marshall of Columbia, MO and David Marshall and his wife Shelly of Keokuk, IA, one step-daughter, Gayle Kil of Portage, MI, fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He is also preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Gertrude Klapprott and Ruth Davis and one brother, Max Hays. Robert was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country during WWII. He was a Staff Sergeant and received the Purple Heart Medal. Robert worked at Seither and Cherry in Keokuk, IA as a pipefitter and also for the Pipefitters Union, U.A. Local 125. He was a very active member of the Bel Air Baptist Church in Keokuk, IA. He enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking and hunting. Graveside services with military rites were held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa with Larry Meyers officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Iowa Hospice or the Bel Air Baptist Church.