Robert Lynn Hays of Kennewick, Washington, passed suddenly at his home on Sunday, August 4th, 2024, at the age of 74. He was born in Sacramento, California, on August 29th, 1949, to Carl and Juanita (Simpson) Hays. He was the second oldest of seven boys. He attended Davis Senior High School, graduating in 1968. He joined the US Navy shortly after graduation, having served on the USS Forrestal. He proudly served his country for four years.

After leaving the service, Robert worked on nuclear submarines at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, in his time there he helped decommission the USS Nautilus. After the closing of Mare Island, he moved to the Tri-Cities to work at Ice Harbor Dam, there he was a foreman at Pasco shop for the Corps of Engineers. He loved his job and retired after 43 combined years of service.

Robert was kind and selfless, but above all he was a family man. He met the love of his life Donna on a bowling league and spent 44 years of bliss together, raising their blended family of seven children. He is survived by his wife Donna Hays, his children, Lisa Murray, Julie Murray, Robert Hays II, Troy Murray, Carleen Hays, John Richard II and Michael Murray, his 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, 6 brothers and numerous other family and friends.

He will be missed by everyone that loved him, especially his soulmate, Donna.

Graveside services and Military Honors will be held on August 27th, 2024, at 2:00pm at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1401 S Union St, Kennewick, WA 99338.