Robert T. Hayes

Robert “Bob” Hayes, 86, of Williams Bay, WI, passed away Friday July 3, 2020 at Golden Years Nursing Home in Lake Geneva.

He was born in Bluefield, West Virginia on March 29, 1934 the son of the late Victor and Elizabeth (Bolen) Hayes and grew up in Streater, IL.  He earned his BS degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Purdue University and his MS degree in Engineering Mechanics at St. Louis University.

Bob was a pilot in the U.S. Navy.   He was based in Norfolk, Virginia for 5 years of active duty and flew out of N.A.S. Glenview for 17 years in the reserves.  He retired in October of 1984 with the rank  of Captain.

After active duty, he worked as a design engineer for McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, MO.  He was instrumental in the design and development of the crew stations for the Gemini, Skylab  F4, F15 and F18 airplanes and spacecraft.  He also worked at B.F. Goodrich Aerospace inn Grand Rapids, MI in the Military Marketing and Sales Department, retiring in 1995.

Paul Ryan asked Bob to be a board member on the 1st District Congressional  Veterans Advisory Board.  He wanted Bob to keep him informed about any military contracts being discussed  for Wisconsin Companies and any problems that our troops are having as mentioned in his military reports and magazines.  

On April 13, 1996, in Kirkwood, MO he was united in marriage to the former Nancy McLean.  They have lived in Williams Bay since 1997.

Bob is survived by: is wife Nancy, his children; Peggy Brooks of Moscow Mills, MO and Jackie (Dave) Maas of Hilo, HI, Stepchildren; Scott (Kathy) Hiebert of Wentzville, MO and Dana Donaldson of St. Peters, MO and Julie (Tim) Thoma of Victoria, MN; grandchildren; Brianna and Sam Brooks, Alex Hiebert, Zachary and Zoe Thoma, brother-in-law Jack McLean of Greenbrae, CA.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob was a loving and caring husband,  father and grandfather he is loved and will be greatly missed.

Private memorial service with military Honors will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy memorials may be made in Bob’s name to: The Alzheimer’s Association, Wisconsin Chapter, 620 South 76th Street, Suite 160, Milwaukee, WI 53214.

Bob’s family would like to thank the staff at Golden Years and the Aurora at Home Hospice Care for their excellent care and kindness given to Bob.

Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Hayes family with arrangements. 

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