Samuel Banks Hayes III

1936 - 2025

Hayes, III, Samuel Banks

November 30, 1936 - September 25, 2025

Samuel Banks Hayes III lived a life filled with energy, warmth, and charisma. Born on November 30, 1936, to Priscilla Alden Bailey and Samuel Banks Hayes Jr., Sam grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey, with his sister, Vance Hayes Gatchel. He attended Ridgewood High School, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Yale University, graduating with the Class of 1959. While at Yale, he served as president of the DKE fraternity, building lifelong friendships that carried throughout his years.

After serving in the U.S. Army from 1960–62, Sam began a distinguished career in banking, starting with Citibank in New York City and Sydney, Australia. He went on to become president of both the Bank of Oklahoma in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Boatmen's Bank in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was widely respected for his leadership, vision, and ability to connect with people at every level.

An avid athlete and lifelong competitor, Sam was a member of Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Old Warson Country Club and the Log Cabin Club in St. Louis, and later John's Island Club, Quail Valley Golf Club, and RedStick Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida, where he retired. On the tennis courts, the golf course or in the clubhouse, Sam's enthusiasm, charm, and sense of fun made him a natural leader and a beloved companion.

Sam's commitment to community was as strong as his drive in business and sport. A dedicated fundraiser and supporter of all things St Louis, he was Board Chair of Forest Park Forever, Board Chair of the St. Louis Science Center and Chairman of the John's Island Foundation, among many other charitable efforts. He believed deeply in a strong community and leaving every place better than he found it.

Above all, Sam's greatest joy was his family. He shared 65 years of marriage with Kathy, his steadfast partner in adventure, laughter, and love. Together they raised three children-Alden (Terry) Pflager, Ruth (Mark) Wood, and Samuel Banks Hayes IV (Margaret)-and built a legacy of family traditions, world travels, and joyful gatherings. He was the proud grandfather of ten-Joe (Brooke) Wood, Kate (Andy) Petitt, Henry Pflager, Bailey Wood, Helen (Harry) Gillespie, Banks (Whitney) Pflager, GeGe Pflager, Vance Wood, Samuel Banks Hayes V, and Lucy Hayes and the great-grandfather of William Wood, Ruth Gillespie, Kathryn Wood, and Walter Petitt.

Those who knew Sam will remember him as the man whose generosity of spirit made everyone feel welcome, and whose zest for life was unmatched. His legacy is one of family, friendship, service, and adventure-a wonderful, full life lived to the very fullest.