Robert L. Hays

Robert L. "Bob" Hays passed away on January 16th, 2026, aged 94. Born on a Densmore Kansas farm May 27, 1931, he worked on the family farm, attending a one room school before attending Almena High School. Graduating from high school in 1948, he farmed, worked at Boeing in Wichita, and entered the Air Force. He married Etta Jane Voss of Densmore Kansas in 1953, a union which lasted over 63 years. After honorable discharge in 1953, he returned to farming near Prairie View, Kansas. Two children were born in northwestern Kansas, Kathy (1954) and Phillip (1955). Moving the family to Lawrence in 1956, Robert attended college at the University of Kansas on the GI bill and obtained an Electrical Engineering degree (1960). After graduation, he worked for the Bureau of Reclamation and settled in Golden, Colorado. While working full time, he built a beautiful house with very little assistance. The family moved to the house in 1963 and the last child, Paul was born (1965). Robert lived in the house for about 63 years, living alone after Jane passed away. During his career, he developed a widely used safety procedure for working on high voltage lines. Robert enjoyed working with his hands, making some legacy furniture and several clock cases. After retirement in 1987, he and Jane traveled extensively overseas before spending summers at blue grass music festivals in North America. During winters, they wrote and self-published 15 books documenting both family history and Jane's genealogy research. After Jane's passing, Bob worked as a volunteer at the Golden Visitor Center until late last year. He is survived by three children, Kathy, Phillip, and Paul; their spouses; four grandchildren, Peter and David Stang, Kyle and Tyler Hays; three great-grandchildren, Connor, Jessamyn, and Emmett Hays; a sister, Rose Getty; a nephew, Gale Hays; and seven grandnephews/nieces and their descendants.

Robert was a gentleman, loving, generous, and kind. A lifetime learner, he made friends throughout his life. He knew how to share good clean fun with others, and to work hard and smart.

No funeral nor memorial service. Robert's ashes will be buried next to "Jane" in the Norton Kansas cemetery. If anyone wishes to make a donation in remembrance, please consider the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com