Robert A. Hayes

Robert A. Hayes, 74 of Chappell, went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 29, 2014 at Sidney Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 12th in the Chappell United Methodist Church with Rev. Ezekiel Koech officiating. Burial will follow in the Chappell Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church Friday, July 11th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Due to allergies, the family requests no flowers, however memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to the Chappell United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund.

You may view Bob's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com.

He was the son of Donald Allen Hayes and Agnes Theresa (Moran) Hayes. He was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on July 26, 1939. In 1942 his family returned to Nebraska to farm northeast of Chappell. He attended country school at Swan Center and graduated from Deuel County High School in 1957. Bob got a BS in education from Colorado State College in Greeley in 1961, a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Kearney State College in 1971 and a specialist degree in administration from Chadron State College in 1977. He spent summers during college following the wheat harvest.

He spent 18 years in public school systems as a teacher and/or administrator in Mullen, Franklin, Loup City, Spalding, Arlington, Springview, and Sutton before returning to the family farm in 1979. He became the county assessor and also helped with the family farm. He was president of the Panhandle District Assessor's Association in 1992. He was president of the state assessor's association (NACO) in 1994. He retired from the assessor's office in 2002 after 22 years in office. He enjoyed watching rodeos and attending the Cheyenne Frontier Days as often as possible on his birthday. He managed the family farm after his father passed away. In his retirement he enjoyed farming and his grandchildren.

On Dec. 25, 1965, Bob was united in marriage to Coralie Kay Winholtz of Axtell, Neb. To this union were born two sons, Scott Allen and Richard Alfred. He was a member of the Chappell United Methodist Church, served on its board and was a certified lay speaker. He videotaped the church service for cable TV for 20 years. He was also active in NEA, NSEA, 50 year member of Kearney Elks Lodge #984, Rotary, NACO, Golden Fleece Lodge #205 of Masons, Luceba Chapter #220 Order of the Eastern Star, Scottish Rite Valley of Alliance, York Rite Bethlehem #18 Commandery, Lodgepole Valley Shrine Club and Tri-Wheels. He was a life time member of NRA and the North American Fishing Club. He served as chairman of the Deuel County Republicans and on the board of Deuel County Farm Bureau.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 48 years, Coralie Hayes of Chappell. Sons: Scott Hayes and wife Sarah of Eagan, Minn., and Richard Hayes and wife Terri of Chappell. Siblings: Glenn and wife Pat of Homer, AK; Bill and wife Edith of Lincoln; Rita Haley of Vancouver, Wash .; Virginia and husband Francis Whidden of St. Edward. Grandchildren, other relatives, and a host of friends.