Robert Bays Jr.

Robert Bays, Jr., 89, of Union, passed away Monday, July 10, 2017 at Oakview Nursing Home in Conrad, IA. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Church in Union, IA. Lunch will be served at the church following the internment at the Union Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 11 a.m. preceding the service on Thursday. Robert Bays, Jr. was born on April 1, 1928 in Marshall, Illinois. He was the son of Robert Bays and Maude (Soloman) Bays. Bob attended school in Marshall, IL and was a truck driver from 1948 1952 for Alexander Truck Lines in Liscomb, IA. On September 13, 1952 Bob married Donna Mae Butler of Liscomb. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1952 1954. After serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, he was discharged in 1960. Upon moving to Union, IA in 1954, he worked for Harris Furniture and Paul Billingsley Plumbing and Heating until 1958 when he started his own business, Bobs Plumbing and Heating. In 1972, Bob worked for Vaux Industries, Dodger Mfg. and the City of Union until his retirement. In 1954 he was a fireman for the Union Volunteer Fire Dept., becoming Chief in the late 1960s, serving his community for nearly 30 years. Bob was a member of the American Legion for 67 years. He enjoyed woodworking, pheasant and geese hunting, gun collecting and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob looked forward to his fellowship with his morning coffee drinkers at his home where they solved local and worldly problems! Left to cherish his memory is his wife of nearly 65 years, Donna, of Union; his three sons, Jeff Bays of Union, Tom (Kathy) Bays of Union and Dan (Deb) Bays of Loveland, Colorado; grandchildren, Cody (Alyssa) Bays of Loveland, CO, Kasey Bays (Robert) of Fort Collins, CO, Courtney Bays of Wilmington, IL; step grandchildren, Kari (Andre) McClure and Kyle Gray of Colorado Springs, CO; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death Bob rejoins his parents Robert and Maude Bays, sister Maxine (Ray) Wallace, and brother Roscoe Bays.