Bob Hayes

Bob Hayes, 71, of Fort Branch, gained his wings and went on his honor flight solo, Monday, December 14, 2020 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh. He was born March 17, 1949 in Princeton. Bob served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era. He had resided in Fort Branch since 2008, coming from Owensville and formerly of Princeton. Bob retired after a 40-year career in law enforcement, lastly serving with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office. Bob was a member of Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter 6 and V.F.W. Post 1114, both of Evansville, American Legion Post 51 of Owensville, Fraternal Order of Police Princeton Lodge 115 and Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club of Indiana and Kentucky. Bob loved riding his motorcycle and riding with the Rolling Thunder to Washington, DC.

Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathy Hayes, to whom he was married on August 10, 1983 in Mt. Carmel, IL; 4 children, Julie Sartore (Tom) of Patoka, Melodie Vantlin (Johnny) of Madison, IN, Kara Nichols of Bloomington, IN and Chris Kopchek of Fort Branch; 10 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and a sister, Betsy Gibson of Henderson, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Robert Hayes and Betty Jo Oglesby; a brother, Richard Keith “Ricky” Hayes and a sister, Jeanie Miller.

A funeral service will be held at 10 am Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton. Interment will follow at Columbia White Church Cemetery. A walk thru visitation will be from 4 until 8 pm Friday, December 18th at Colvin Funeral Home. Due to Covid-19 regulations seating will be limited at the funeral home and masks and social distancing will be observed.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter 6, 1738 Glenmoor Road, Evansville, IN 47715. Envelopes will also be available at Colvin’s.

Marine Funeral Detail will provide full military rites.

Online condolences may be made at www.colvinfuneralhome.com. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve Bob’s family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bob Hayes, please visit our floral store.