Robert L. “Bob” Hayes, 93, of Rising Sun, IN, passed away on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 at The Waters of Rising Sun. Bob was born in Quercus Grove, IN on March 22, 1930, a son of the late Olive (Lewis) Hayes and James P. Hayes. He grew up in Switzerland County and was a graduate of Vevay High School, Class of 1948. After graduation, he began work at Seagrams Distillery in Lawrenceburg, IN. His work career was put on hold when he left to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Air Force as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War. While in service Bob was awarded the following medals: United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Upon his return from service, Bob went back to work at Seagrams where he was employed for a total of forty-eight years. Bob and his family made their home in Rising Sun and he was very active in the community. He served as county coroner and was a long-time member of the Ohio County Life Squad. He also served on the Ohio County Alcohol and Tobacco Board. He was a member of the Rising Sun American Legion and VFW. Bob assisted his friend and county assessor Bobby Joe Keith for several years. At one time Bob pretty much knew who lived in every household in Ohio County. In the early 90’s Bob began a part-time job that lasted for twenty-five years at the Markland Funeral Home. He greatly enjoyed greeting people at the front door and helping Sam, and later on Joe, with whatever needed to be done. Bob was a huge supporter of his kids and grandkids in whatever sport or activity they were participating in. Bob was a faithful Rising Sun Shiner fan and bought a season pass every year. Everyone knew where Bob’s seat was during basketball season. Bob also loved going to Jack’s Restaurant where he was considered a founding member of the Liar’s table. Bob was a loving dad, papaw, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the Rising Sun community.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Dea Wallace (Chris), of Rising Sun, IN; by his son, David Hayes (Melissa), of Moores Hill, IN; by his beloved grandchildren: Alex Oser (Kayla), of Versailles, IN; Kennedy Oser, of Lawrenceburg, IN; Keira Oser, DJ Williams, Ella Wallace and Abby Wallace, all of Rising Sun, IN and Jacob Hayes, of Moores Hill, IN; and by his great-grandson, Easton Oser. Bob is also survived by a sister, Betty Pavy, of Lawrenceburg, TN, and two brothers, Paul Hayes (Loretta), of Vevay, IN, and Ronald Hayes (Betty), of Vevay, IN. Bob was preceded in death by his parents James and Olive Hayes, by his brother Donald Hayes, by his brother-in-law Bucky Pavy, and by his nephews Jamie Hayes and Bryan Hayes.
Funeral services will be at 11 AM, Saturday, November 11th at Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun, IN with Brother Greg Matthew officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, November 10th at Markland Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be at New Liberty Cemetery in East Enterprise, IN. Memorial donations may be made to New Liberty Cemetery. marklandfuneralhome.com