Robert Louis Hays , September 19, 1930 — December 13, 2018

Robert Louis Hays, 88, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away Thursday, December 13, 2018, surrounded by family. Robert was born in Atchison, Kansas on September 19, 1930. He was the oldest of seven children born to Georgia and Louis Hays.

Robert is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Katherine Hays; daughter, Leslie Landreth (Gary); sons, Douglas (Cathy) and Roger (Karen); grandchildren, Robert Hays (Robin), Jennifer Thomas (Matt), Abigail Landreth, Amanda Hays, Sarah Becker (Matt), Ashley Hays, Emily Hays, Blaine Warenstaff, and Jessica Warenstaff; and great-grandchildren, Logan Thomas, Parker Thomas, Olive Hays, Kellan Thomas, Ava Becker, and Evan Becker; sisters, Ella Rundle and Clara (Tom) Bennett; and many nieces and nephews. Robert grew up in Atchison, Kansas, where he attended school and was a member of Carol Baptist Church. During his teen years, he delivered the local newspaper and worked at Walsh’s clothing store.

He attended St. Benedictine’s College in Atchinson. His long career in the the heating and air-conditioning industry began at his family’s sheet metal company in Atchinson. He moved to Arkansas City, Kansas in 1949 when his father opened Hays and Sons Sheet Metal.

Shortly after arriving in Arkansas City, he met Mary Katherine Burkarth. They were married on July 8, 1950. All three of their children were born in Arkansas City.

They attended First Baptist Church where Robert taught Sunday school. In 1962, the family moved to Wichita, Kansas where Robert worked for the heating and air-conditioning division of the Gas Service Company. The family attended Westside Baptist Church.

In 1968, he was promoted to sales and engineering executive for the Gas Service Company in Kansas City. The family joined Prairie Baptist Church where they enjoyed connecting with new and old friends. Robert was very proud of his work at the church.

He retired from the Gas Service Company in 1987. Robert and Mary Katherine lived on Carter Circle in Overland Park, Kansas for 46 years before moving to a senior care center in May, 2018. Services will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 1:00pm, Prairie Baptist Church, 75th and Roe, Prairie Village, Kansas.

Graveside Service immediately following at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Alzheimers Association – www.

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