Robert Milton Hays was born July 28, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA, the only child of Paul Arlington Hays and Wilna (Price) Hays and died peacefully on Dec 2, 2024 in Springfield, MO.

He graduated from Upper Darby (PA) High School in 1956 and attended Drexel University and University of Northern Iowa. After two years teaching public school math, Robert attended University of Minnesota and attained a Master of Library Science degree in 1967. He married Barbara (Brooks) Hays in 1963. After living in St. Paul, MN, Worcester and West Springfield, MA, they made their home in Austin, MN in 1970, retiring to Shoreview, MN in 1996 and Springfield, MO in 2010. Robert worked as a public library director and enjoyed reading, cooking, listening to classical music, learning languages and early computer programming. He was a loving father, supportive husband and excellent caregiver and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, sons David (Veronica) and grandson Alex of Springfield and Steven of Shoreview, MN.

A memorial service and reception will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 10 am at Christ Episcopal Church (601 E. Walnut, Springfield, MO 65809).

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for the Springfield, MO Symphony: https://tinyurl.com/3x96a3ek