Robert Paul Hayes was born June 12, 1954, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He is the son of Donald P. Hayes and Marcella R (Mires) Hayes. Robert graduated from Indianola High School in May 1973. After graduation, he worked, and was married in the summer of 1974. A son, Robert P. Hayes Jr. was born May 4, 1975. Robert enlisted in the United States Army January 7th, 1975. He served as Field Command Electrical Equipment Maintenance personnel. He deployed to Germany during active duty and was honorably discharged November 14, 1977. He reenlisted the next day. Robert’s occupation during his second tour of duty was Tactical Communication System operator and mechanic. He was honorably discharged November 10, 1981. He enlisted in the Army Reserves February 11, 1983 and served until October 28, 1991. On October 29, 1991 he joined the Iowa National Guards and served through October 28, 1998. Robert enrolled in the diesel mechanics program at DMACC in Ankeny and graduated in July 1985.He worked as a diesel mechanic until 1998, when he started working with Pritesh Patel and family at Motel 8 and later Hotel Pommier in Indianola for the next 28 years.

Robert was a quiet, reserved, and introspective individual. He may not have said much, but he had a dry sense of humor and you knew what he was thinking. He was dedicated to doing everything to the best of his ability, very loyal, and dependable. He would not take a day off when requested by his employer. He was trusted, well respected and appreciated by his fellow coworkers. He enjoyed trains, woodworking, and being in the Army. He loved to fix and do things for others.

He is survived by his parents, Donald and Marcella Hayes of Indianola; brothers, Robin (Abby) Hayes of Empire, MI, Ken (Deb) Hayes of Dayton, IA, Karl (Donya) Hayes of Indianola; a sister, Jan (Dennis) Phelps of Grinnell, IA; and 10 nieces and nephews. In October of 1996, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert P. Hayes Jr.

A Memorial Service will be held 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, 2026, at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Visitation, with family present, will be held prior to service from 5 to 7 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at the Indianola I.O.O.F. Memorial Gardens Cemetery.