Robert M. Hayes

Hayes, Robert M.
Neenah

Former Delavan resident and Sta-Rite executive, Robert M. Hayes Jr., died March 16, 2005 in Neenah.

He was born July 2, 1915, in Eagle Lake, FL to Robert and Helen McMillion Hayes. He graduated from Webster, FL High School and obtained his degree from Rollins College, Winter Park, FL in 1939. After serving two years as sports editor of the Orlando Sentinel, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps as an enlisted man and attained the rank of Major during his WWII service.

On September 10, 1942, he married Elizabeth J. Weadock, the ceremony
taking place in the chapel of the Orlando Army Air Base.

Following WWII he accepted an executive position with Sta-Rite Industries of Delavan and over a 30-year career served as vice-president-marketing and sales; general sales manager of Sta-Rite's Water Equipment Division and vice president corporation relations, retiring in 1974.

He was past president of the Rollins College Alumni Association, a member of the National Investor Relations Institute and Omicron Delta Kappa. He served as senior warden of Christ Episcopal Church, Delavan.

Extremely active in alcoholism rehabilitative programs on local and state levels, he served several years as a member of Wisconsin Advisory Council on Alcoholism; was a former director of the Wisconsin Association on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and a past member of the Wisconsin Occupational Alcoholism Task Force.

In retirement, the Hayes' lived 27 years in New Smyrna Beach, FL,
returning to Wisconsin in 2001 to make their home in Neenah.

Survivors include Elizabeth, his wife of 62 years, Neenah; three sons: Mike Hayes, Santa Barbara, CA; Pat (Sue) Hayes, Menasha and
Murph Hayes, San Diego, CA; four grandchildren: Hiliary Hayes, Los
Angeles, CA; Rachael (Stuart) Gayle, New York, NY; Chris Hayes, Milwaukee and Brandon (Michelle) Hayes, Milwaukee; and two sisters Helen (Paul) Smith, Martha Jane Hayes both of Leesburg, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Stewart and his sister Sarah.

Memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Gary Nokleberg officiating. The family will receive visitors from 10 a.m. until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Valley VNA 201 E. Bell St., Neenah, WI 54956

Wichmann Tri County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida St. Menasha
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com