Robert L. "Bobby" Hayes

Robert L. (Bob) Hayes, 85, of Houston, TX passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2017. He was born May 9, 1932, the youngest child of Wasey Hayes and his first wife Gertrude. Bob was married to his wife, Shirley M. Hayes, for over 63 years.

Bob was a member of the pioneer family who founded Hayes, Louisiana. He moved to Houston in 1947 where he attended high school and college. Bob served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and also served as an Air National Guard Technician and an Air Force Reserve Technician.

Bob retired in 1987 after 36 years with the Department of Defense and his last position was with the Defense Contract Administration as Chief of a Quality Operations Branch. He was the recipient of numerous Defense Department awards and commendations including the Distinguished Career Service Award.

Bob and his wife Shirley moved back to Hayes in 1987 where they remained until shortly after Hurricane Rita. While living in Hayes, Bob was involved in several community endeavors: The Amicus Club, St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Bell City and was a 3rd degree member of the Bell City Knights of Columbus Council 3084. Bob and Shirley also spent many hours fishing. In 2006, they moved to Kingwood, TX to be closer to their children.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, all four of his siblings and his younger son, Larry. Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley, son Robert L. Hayes II and wife Joan, daughter-in-law, Mary Joy Hayes, five grandchildren (Jennifer, Alisha, Melissa, David and Sam) and four great grandchildren (Malaki, Madeleine, Cole and Aydan).

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 16th 2017, at 11 AM in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Fr. John Payne will officiate. Burial will follow at the Hayes Cemetery in Hayes, LA. Visitation will be Saturday, December 16th from 9 AM until time of service in the funeral home. A Crusillo rosary will be recited at 10 AM.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7120 LA-14, Iowa, LA, 70647.