Robert (Bob) L. Hayes

Robert (Bob) L. Hayes Jr., age 77, of Curtice, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Bob was born on May 10, 1948 in Toledo, Ohio. He was the eldest child of Robert L. Hayes Sr. and Elsie (Dodson) Hayes.

He graduated from Tiffin Columbian High School in 1968. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was an Engineman stationed aboard the USS Little Rock (CLG-4), which served as the Sixth Fleet flagship in the Mediterranean.

Throughout his career, Bob held a variety of positions, including roles at H.C. Riley Co., Hayes-Albion, and Ford Motor Company. He concluded his journeyman millwright profession at New Mather Metals, where he worked for 30 years until the plant closed.

Bob found joy in life’s simple pleasures— Back in the day, he was an avid golfer with a true passion for the game. He was thrilled to achieve not only one, but two hole-in-ones. One at Eagle’s Landing (Hole #2, 142 yards with a 7-iron) and another at Thunderbird Hills (Hole #12, 125 yards with a 9-iron). Bob was a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan, a tradition that began early and was built on years of loyalty and hope—cheering through the Kardiac Kids era and the legendary Dawg Pound. He also enjoyed watching the Ohio State Buckeyes. Most of all he treasured moments with family and friends. And no matter the occasion, Bob could always be found with a cold beer in hand, living in the moment.

Bob is survived by his best friend and beloved wife of more than 40 years, Carolyn (Koch) Hayes; his children Pamela (Steven) Dillinger, Todd (Melissa) Hayes (from his first marriage to Vicky), and Madeline (Maxwell) Hendricks, whom he shared with Carolyn. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, his brother David Hayes, sister Darlene (David) Fatzinger, as well as many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Otsego Park – Thompson Stone Hall, at a later date. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.

Bob cherished the gift of life. Instead of flowers, he would have wanted you to share time with those you love—and say a little prayer for the upcoming Cleveland Browns season.