SPARTA – Robert Hunter Hayes, 83, of Sparta, IL, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at his home in Sparta, Illinois.

Robert was born November 19, 1938, in Sparta, IL, a son to Harry and Mary Elizabeth (Robb) Hayes. He married Karen Rathert on December 30, 1961, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Campbell Hill, IL. Robert was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1961 to 1963. He retired from Illinois Power after 35 years of service. Following retirement, he own/operated Fossil Power Engineering Consultants. Robert was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sparta, IL, American Society of Mechanical Engineering, New York City, NY, and was a former member of The Lion's Club.

Robert is survived by his wife, Karen R. Hayes, of Sparta, IL, children: Craig Hunter Hayes of Cleveland, OH, Mary Suzanne (Larry) Beattie of Sparta, IL; grandchildren: Hunter Beattie, Hayden Beattie, Olivia Beattie, Brianna Hayes; great grandchildren, Kaiden and Leighton, brother, James (Phyllis) Hayes of Sparta, IL, and sister, Mary Jean Darrough of Coulterville, IL.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Martha Henderson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, October 31, 2022, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sparta, IL, with Rev. Bonnie Wilkins officiating. Burial to follow at Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta, IL. Friends may call from 4 - 7 pm, Sunday, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL and on Monday 10 – 11 am, at the church. Memorials may be given to the Gateway Arch Park Foundation or Westminster Presbyterian Church and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.